Nationwide Screening for Pregnant Women Initiated

Zika is a weaker virus than dengue, which can be fatal and chikungunya, which causes long-term illness, Dighe said.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States, symptoms are mild and may include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis and muscle pain.

“There is no cure for the disease as yet, but hydrating the patient enough with plenty of water and rest can help cure it in 4-5 days,” he added.

The Brazilian mutation of the virus is considered severe and can harm pregnant women, whereas the Asian and African mutations are deemed safe. “However, because we do not know which strain is circulating, all precautions are being taken, including ultrasound and other tests for pregnant women,” Dighe told Down To Earth.