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The BMC confirmed a second case of Zika virus in a 15-year-old girl from Kurla, as reported on Tuesday. The first case, involving a 79-year-old resident from Chembur, was reported on August 23. With both cases occurring within a span of just over 15 days, and no travel history associated with either, the BMC is ramping up surveillance efforts through random sampling across all wards. The municipality has also intensified mosquito-control measures, as Zika is primarily transmitted by aedes mosquitoes, which also carry diseases like dengue and chikungunya. This recent case brings the total number of lab-confirmed Zika cases in the state to five.
The 15-year-old girl from Kurla’s L ward, who also has other underlying health conditions, experienced symptoms such as fever and headache starting from August 20. Initially seeking treatment at a private hospital, a PCR test confirmed her Zika infection, according to Dr. Daksha Shah, the BMC’s executive health officer. The girl was subsequently moved to Kasturba Hospital on Tuesday and placed under quarantine. Doctors have stated that her condition is currently stable.
Dr. Shah explained that the purpose of random sampling is to identify any potential undetected cases within the community and to gauge the extent of the virus’s spread. “In both cases, there was no travel history. Additionally, none of their close contacts were found to have the infection or any symptoms,” she mentioned. Samples collected during the surveillance will be analyzed at KEM Hospital in Parel. While BMC teams conducted surveys around the 15-year-old girl’s residence, they did not find any suspected or confirmed cases in the vicinity.
Nevertheless, the civic body has urged citizens not to panic and to remain vigilant. “Zika infection is a self-limiting disease. Around 80 percent of those infected with the virus show no symptoms. However, individuals with underlying health conditions are more likely to develop severe infections that may necessitate hospitalization,” the BMC advised. It’s important to note that infection during pregnancy can lead to certain birth defects in the child. Common symptoms include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific medicine available for Zika. Regarding the first case, the BMC confirmed that the 79-year-old man from Chembur has made a full recovery.
