There has been an increase in Zika virus cases in Maharashtra. The state reported a total of 28 Zika virus cases of which, 24 have been reported in Pune only. Three new Zika virus cases reported in Pune include; a woman (27) from Kothrud; a man (49) from Lohegaon and a girl (14) from Tulshibaug Colony, Sahakar Nagar; said Dr Kalpana Baliwant, health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

Zika virus, also known as Zika fever is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes usually bite during the day, especially in early morning and late afternoon/evening. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products and organ transplantation.

Most people who are infected with the virus don’t show any symptoms. Only 1 in 5 people with Zika have symptoms. Here, take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of the Zika virus.

Read on as we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Zika virus.

Zika virus usually spreads through the bite of a mosquito that belongs to the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti. When a mosquito bites a person who has the Zika virus in their blood, the mosquito gets infected. Then, they transmit the virus to other healthy people by biting them.

However, there are other modes of transmission as well. Zika virus can be spread through sexual contact, mother to foetus, organ transplantation and transfusion.

Sexual transmission usually happens when someone has returned from a Zika-affected area and then they pass it to their partner. This can be deadly when the virus is transmitted to pregnant women.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms. Among those who do, they typically start 3–14 days after infection, are generally mild including rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache, and usually last for 2–7 days.

The Zika virus is infectious and is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis and joint pain, however, many infected people tend to stay asymptomatic.

When a pregnant woman gets infected with Zika virus, the virus can impact foetal development severely. It can cause several congenital abnormalities which are known as Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS).

One of the most severe impacts of the virus on the foetus is microcephaly. This is a condition wherein the baby’s head and brain are significantly smaller than normal which eventually leads to intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. Other complications of CZS include vision and hearing defects, joint and limb abnormalities, and impaired growth. The virus can also increase the risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that the risk of congenital malformations following infection in pregnancy remains unknown; an estimated 5–15% of infants born to women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy have evidence of Zika-related complications. “Congenital malformations occur following both symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. Zika infection in pregnancy can also cause complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth and preterm birth.