Mumbai Reports First Case of Zika Virus

On Wednesday, the civic body of Mumbai, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said that the city reported the first case of the Zika virus.

A 79-year-old Chembur resident has been infected by the virus. The Zika virus case was confirmed by the National Viral Institute (NIV), Pune.

The civic body stated that the patient is a 79-year-old male patient has multiple comorbidities. The patient has a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, Ischemic Heart Disease, and thalassemia minor and had undergone angioplasty two decades ago.

“Patient had symptoms – fever, stuffy nose, and cough since July 19, 2023, and received symptomatic treatment from a private doctor. He was recovered and discharged on August 2, 2023,” informed the BMC.

Zika Virus disease is a mild illness caused by the Zika virus. The disease is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and chikungunya.

“Even though Zika virus is a viral disease, it does not spread as rapidly as COVID-19,” added BMC.

Symptoms of Zika virus include – fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Zika Virus disease is self-limiting and around 80 percent of patients who are infected with Zika virus are asymptomatic, stated the BMC release.

“Testing facility is available at KEM hospital,” said BMC.

According to the health department of BMC, a survey of households in the vicinity was undertaken and no more suspected Zika virus cases were detected. The civic body has advised citizens not to panic.

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