BMC Announces Second Zika Case in Mumbai; Public Advised to Stay Informed

DAINIK NATION BUREAU :
A second instance of the Zika virus has been identified within Mumbai, as confirmed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday. The initial case came to light on August 23. The newly reported patient is a 15-year-old girl residing in the eastern Mumbai suburb of Kurla, falling under the jurisdiction of the BMC’s L-ward, according to a statement released by the BMC.

This adolescent girl, who had underlying health conditions, began experiencing fever and headaches as early as August 20. Subsequently, she sought medical attention at a private hospital, as stated in the release. On Tuesday, she was transferred to a government hospital where her condition is currently described as stable, as per the corporation’s statement.

The Zika virus is predominantly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. In cases where infection occurs during pregnancy, it can lead to specific birth defects in the unborn child. Currently, there is neither a vaccine nor a specific medicine for Zika. Common symptoms associated with Zika include fever, rash, headaches, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain.

The BMC previously announced on August 23 that the city’s first Zika case had been identified in a 79-year-old man from Chembur, who subsequently made a full recovery from the viral infection, as per the BMC’s report.

The civic body has emphasized that there is no need for panic regarding Zika infections, as it is considered a “self-limiting disease.”