Second Zika case in Mumbai; 15-year-old girl in hospital and stable

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed a second case of the Zika virus in Mumbai, following the initial report on August 23.
The new patient is a 15-year-old girl residing in suburban Kurla, which falls under the BMC’s L-ward jurisdiction. The girl, who had underlying health issues, began experiencing symptoms such as fever and headaches from August 20. She initially sought treatment at a private hospital but was subsequently transferred to a government hospital on Tuesday. Her current condition is stable, according to the BMC. Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can lead to birth defects in infants if contracted during pregnancy. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or medicine available for Zika. Common symptoms include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain.
The first Zika case in the city was declared by the BMC on August 23 when a 79-year-old man from Chembur was diagnosed with the viral infection. He has since made a full recovery, as confirmed by the BMC. The BMC has urged the public not to panic, emphasizing that Zika infection is typically a self-limiting disease.