Several cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune, prompting the Centre to issue an advisory to all states
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Notably, Zika is an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease like Dengue and Chikungunya
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While it is usually mild to moderate disease in adults and requires no specific treatment, in pregnant women, it may cause microcephaly
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Microcephaly is a condition in which the head is significantly smaller due to abnormal brain development in the foetus
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The first case was found in 1947 in Uganda and since then it has spread to several parts of the world including Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands
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The disease is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. It can also spread through sex or to a fetus during pregnancy
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The infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects, congenital malformations as well as preterm birth and miscarriage
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Majority of those infected with the Zika virus show no symptoms. Among those who do, symptoms normally appear 3-14 days after infection and are minor
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These can include rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache
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It is important to prevent mosquito bites to control the spread of Zika virus. No vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment of the infection
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It is also advised to avoid travelling in areas and countries where there have been outbreaks