Karnataka Sees Rise In Zika Virus Cases With 6 New Reported In Bengaluru; Precautions, Symptoms & All You Need To Know

Karnataka is witnessing a rise in Zika virus cases. According to the Karnataka Health Ministry, six new cases have been identified in Bengaluru recently and two among them are pregnant women. This is concerning because Zika virus during pregnancy can cause serious health complications and even birth defects. Scroll on to learn more about this mosquito-borne disease, its symptoms, and precautions.

Karnataka Sees Rise In Zika Virus Cases With 6 New Reported In Bengaluru

The Karnataka Health Ministry has recently reported six new Zika virus cases in Bengaluru. With these new cases, the total number of cases in the state since January 2024 has come to nine. These six new cases were reported in the Jigani area of Bengaluru. The previous cases were reported in Shivamogga. Out of the three, two were able to recover completely while one of them succumbed to the disease.

What’s truly concerning is that among the new cases detected, five are women, including two who are pregnant or under antenatal care and one is a new mother. According to The Times of India report, Zika virus during pregnancy can lead to serious health complications and even birth defects. It is to be noted that the women were asymptomatic. The report further suggested that the two women were scanned to see the impact on the development of the fetus and the ANC scans showed normal development of the baby so far.

Interestingly, while Zika virus cases are rising in the state, there has been a decline in dengue cases. As per a Bangalore Mirror report, nengue cases have significantly declined from 300 a day to 95 in Bengaluru this year.

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Precautions, Symptoms & All You Need To Know About This Disease

Zika infection is a mosquito-borne disease. It has the potential to cause serious health complications, especially in pregnant women and their unborn children. As per reports, the first cases of Zika virus infection in India were reported in Gujarat in 2016. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in several states. Zika virus is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites, sex, and breastfeeding.

Here are some symptoms of Zika virus infection –

1. Low-grade fever
2. Rash characterised by red spots and bumps
3. Joint pain and swelling
4. Conjunctivitis and irritation in the eyes
5. Muscle pain
6. Headache
7. Fatigue
8. Vomiting

Precautions to keep in mind –

1. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent.
2. Opt to wear long-sleeved clothing.
3. Use window screens to control mosquitoes indoors.
4. Use protection like a condom during sexual intercourse.
5. Avoid travelling in mosquito-infected areas.

If you feel any of these symptoms, then seek immediate medical assistance. While there are no specific antiviral treatments for the Zika virus yet, relief and preventive measures can be taken to provide relief.

Here are some relief and preventive measures one can take – 

1. Take plenty of rest.
2. Stay hydrated to recover from dehydration.
3. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help alleviate headache and muscle pain.

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We hope this information was helpful to you all. Stay safe and indoors as much as possible for your safety and health!

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