Rajkot’s AIMs to Test Zika Virus in 1 Day Instead of 15: Symptoms & Details
In neighboring Maharashtra, Zika virus cases are steadily increasing. This virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, and there is often a rise in mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season. For the residents of Rajkot and Saurashtra, testing for the Zika virus has now started at the first AIMs in Rajkot, Gujarat. The ICMR has approved Rajkot AIMs to conduct Zika virus testing. Previously, samples were sent to Pune, which would delay the report. However, with testing now available locally, reports can be obtained in just one day instead of the previous 15 days or even a month.
Testing Kits Received
The Department of Clinical Microbiology HOD and Research Dean at AIMs Rajkot, Dr. Ashwini Agarwal, stated that a request was made to ICMR for permission to conduct Zika virus testing at Rajkot AIMs. This approval aims to prevent the need to send samples to Ahmedabad or Pune for testing, ensuring faster results for patients from Rajkot and Saurashtra. Kits for testing have been procured, but no testing has been conducted yet. However, if any patient from Rajkot or Saurashtra shows symptoms, their sample can be tested at Rajkot AIMs for a timely report.
Early Treatment Based on Reports
It was further mentioned that this disease predominantly affects pregnant women, prompting the central government’s health department to treat the matter with utmost seriousness. It has been a week since the approval, and no testing has yet occurred. However, if any samples arrive, they will be tested promptly, and reports will be available quickly, allowing for early treatment. Previously, reports from Pune could take 10-15 days or up to a month. Now, symptomatic patients will receive their reports within a day, and for surveillance purposes, samples will be tested after a few days.
What is Zika Virus?
The Zika virus is a disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes use our cells to reproduce and spread their population. The major problem with this virus is that most infected people are unaware of their infection. Zika virus symptoms are typically very mild, but it can cause serious harm to pregnant women. The virus can prevent the proper development of a baby’s brain in the womb.
Symptoms of Zika Virus
Most people infected with Zika virus show no symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus show symptoms. The symptoms are so common that it becomes difficult to determine if they are due to Zika virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain, skin rashes, red eyes, and muscle pain.
Causes of Zika Virus Spread
Zika is a type of flavivirus that causes Zika infection. Other flaviviruses include those responsible for dengue fever and West Nile infection. Aedes mosquitoes are primarily responsible for the majority of Zika virus infections. The infection spreads when an Aedes mosquito bites an infected person and then bites another person.
Zika Virus and Pregnant Women
If a pregnant woman is infected with Zika virus, it can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. Zika can cause birth defects like microcephaly, which means the baby’s brain does not develop properly. According to WHO, there have been cases of Zika transmission through blood transfusions in Brazil and France, but no such cases have been reported in other countries.
Problems Caused by Zika Virus
Zika virus typically affects pregnant women and can infect the fetus, causing developmental issues. Infants born to infected mothers may experience severe microcephaly, a small head, brain damage, weak eyes, joint issues, and hypertension. Notably, information recently released by the central health ministry indicates that Gujarat recorded its first Zika virus infection in 2016. Since then, cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka.
