What is the Zika virus? How it spreads, know its symptoms and how to avoid it

There has been a stir in the country once again with the Zika virus cases coming to the fore. Pune, Maharashtra has reported six cases of Zika infection, including two pregnant women. After the spread of this infection in the last few days, people's tension has increased. According to doctors, the virus is spread by mosquito bites and its risk increases during the rainy season. Zika is a viral infection and can harm pregnant women the most. In such a situation, everyone should try to avoid this virus and consult a doctor if symptoms appear.

According to health experts, Zika virus infection can prove to be the most dangerous for pregnant women, as this infection can also adversely affect the unborn child. These infections can cause birth defects in babies and sometimes miscarriage. A condition in children with birth defects caused by this virus is called Zika syndrome. Children affected by this syndrome do not develop properly physically and mentally. Due to this they remain weaker than other children.

Zika virus symptoms

Zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and the risk increases during rain. Like dengue and chikungunya, Zika is a viral infection. When infected, people experience symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, red eyes and skin rash. The Zika virus causes infection within 2 to 7 days of a mosquito bite, and in many cases symptoms do not appear. So checkup is necessary.