Mumbai has recorded its first case of the Zika virus, according to officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The virus was detected in a 79-year-old man from Chembur. Health officials said the patient began experiencing symptoms, including fever, stuffy nose and cough. On July 19, 2023, he received symptomatic treatment from a private medical practitioner.
The blood samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, out of suspicion, which confirmed Zika virus infection. The patient recovered and was discharged on August 2.
So, What is a Zika Virus and how dangerous is it?
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are responsible for carrying dengue and chikungunya virus as well. Zika was first identified in monkeys of the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947. The disease got global attention in 2015 after a significant outbreak in Brazil. The first case of Zika virus in India was reported on 8 July 2021 in a 24-year-old pregnant woman from Kerala. The symptoms of Zika virus include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, rash and red eyes which typically lasts for 2–7 days. Zika virus is known to be particularly dangerous during pregnancy as it can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other complications including preterm birth and miscarriage.
Climate change has given rise to increased precipitation, higher temperatures and humidity. These are conditions for mosquitos to thrive and multiply, which has also led to an increase in mosquito-driven diseases.
This month alone, BMC has found 15,231 Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding spots. There have also been 1,533 dengue cases reported since June 2023. 49 chikungunya cases were also reported in the last three months. The BMC has assured the citizens that the situation is well under control. The health officials have also urged people to cover all water tanks and dispose of unused containers and junk materials to effectively control any further spread of mosquito-driven diseases.
