Zika Virus and Pregnancy

Zika virus infection in pregnant woman can be harmful for the foetus. Learn about the signs and symptoms of Zika virus and its effects on pregnant women. Although, this disease is not prevalent in India, you must be aware of the infected countries and avoid travelling to such places.There are many kinds of negative concerns circulating the mind of pregnant women and the Zika virus issue is one of the major things. As an expectant mother it is in your interest to know the exact nature, transmission style and characteristics of this Virus so that you can protect your pregnancy in a more effective way. In this articleWhat is Zika Virus?Why are Pregnant Women Especially at Risk?How Does Zika Infect the Foetus?Symptoms of Zika VirusWhat is the Incidence of Zika Virus?What is Zika Virus?The Zika virus is a mild kind of disease which is transmitted via the bite of a Zika infected mosquito. It is interesting to note that most people fully recover from Zika virus attack without any kind of complication or severe physical problem. Globally, the number of Zika virus death is extremely low. However Zika virus infection is found to be dangerous to foetuses that are in the womb of infected women. It is also suspected that Zika virus is linked to Guillan Barre Syndrome where the immune system overthrows the nervous system.Why are Pregnant Women Especially at Risk?When mothers to be get the Zika virus infection the viral effect filters to the foetus. The incidence of Zika virus was found to be very high in Brazil where there was a huge spurt in the birth of Micro-cephalic babies. Microcephaly is a condition where babies are born with unusually small heads which sometimes contain underdeveloped or small brains. This issue causes serious developmental problems and sometimes death. Medical researchers say that the risk to the foetus is the highest when pregnant women are affected in their first trimester.Scientists have also found that Zika virus infection in pregnancy may cause the foetus to develop abnormal vision. There is a different sub group of characteristics that are associated with Micro-cephalic babies as compared to babies born with vision defects.How Does Zika Infect the Foetus?Lots of research has been done to understand how Zika virus infects the foetus. The virus genome is found to be present in the urine, saliva and the blood samples of infected women. Sometimes Zika antibodies are found in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. This clearly suggests that the Zika virus is able to cross over the placenta.Scientists are still not clear whether Microcephaly is connected with the presence of Zika in the blood and urine. The outcome of Zika infection is linked to which period of pregnancy the infected lady is in. as discussed earlier the Zika risks are higher when the lady is in the first trimester of pregnancy.Symptoms of Zika VirusSome commonly manifested symptoms of Zika virus are feverish spells, rashes all over the body, severe headaches, watery and red eyes and joint pain. However, only one infected person in five shows these symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms are so mild that they go away unnoticed. Zika virus is contagious and if you are passing through the Zika infected zone then you might actually be infected by the time you return from that area.The contamination happens through mosquito bites and sometimes the virus can also be passed through sexual transmission. The virus will not be transmitted through mere physical contact.What is the Incidence of Zika Virus?The Zika virus was first detected in 1947. Many cases have been documented in Brazil and South America. Incidences of infection in India are extremely rare. The most infected countries are Barbados, Colombia, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Cape Verde, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Haiti, and Jamaica etc.WHO has issued warnings about the increased prevalence of Zika virus and has confirmed that the Aedes mosquito is responsible for spreading it. The use of air conditioning and window screens can help to control the spread of the Zika virus.What are the harmful effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy? What are the common signs and symptoms of Zika virus? How to prevent Zika virus infection? Discuss here.