Pune, July 11: Two more pregnant women recently tested positive for the Zika virus infection Pune city of Maharashtra. This takes the total number of pregnant women diagnosed with the infection to eight. Subsequently, the total number of cases in the city has risen to 15. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Zika virus can be spread through sex, breastfeeding and from pregnant woman to her unborn child.

Zika virus, known for its severe impact on pregnant women and their babies, can spread through various means, including sexual contact, breastfeeding, and transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Zika Virus Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention: Everything You Need To Know About the Mosquito-Borne Virus.

Zika Virus Transmission Through Sex

Zika fever can easily be transmitted from one partner to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. CDC also states, “Zika virus can be passed from a person before their symptoms start, while they have symptoms, and after their symptoms end.” The time period of the Zika virus spread in men and women is different as the virus stays longer in the semen than in the blood. What Is Zika Virus? Know Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, When To Visit Doctor and Treatment for the Mosquito-Borne Virus.

Spread From Pregnant Woman To Fetus

Zika virus can easily be transmitted from a pregnant woman to their fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. This can even cause birth defects if the pregnant woman has visible symptoms or not. CDC confirms that In the US, about 5% of Zika-infected pregnancies resulted in birth defects.  

Transmission Due To Breastfeeding

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have not confirmed that Zika virus spreads through breast milk. However, they acknowledge that the Zika virus has been detected in breast milk. Cases of possible Zika virus infection have been reported in babies who were breastfed by mothers with Zika virus infection. The CDC believes that breastfeeding is very important and should not be stopped despite the possibility of the Zika virus being present in breast milk.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2024 08:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).