Dr KK
Aggarwal
A
total of 22 positive laboratory confirmed cases of Zika virus infection have
been detected so far in Jaipur, Rajasthan. And, this number will only rise. On
Sunday, the Health Ministry sounded an alert for Bihar after a student of
computer science from Siwan, studying in Jaipur, tested positive for the Zika
virus. He was in Siwan between August 28 and September 12 to appear for an
exam.
Zika
virus is gaining foothold in India and is now here to stay. Public awareness
about Zika is low and diagnostic facilities are not available everywhere.
In
August 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released
updated guidelines for preconception counseling and prevention of sexual
transmission of Zika virus for men with possible Zika virus exposure.
CDC
now recommends that men with possible Zika virus exposure who are planning to
conceive with their partner wait at least 3 months after symptom onset (if
symptomatic) or their last possible Zika virus exposure (if
asymptomatic) before engaging in unprotected sex to prevent sexual
transmission of Zika virus and also to reduce the risk for fetal Zika virus
infection.
Relevant
exposure is defined as residence in or travel to an area where mosquito-borne
transmission of Zika virus infection has been reported, or unprotected sexual
contact with a person who meets these criteria.
For couples who are not
trying to conceive, CDC recommends that men can consider using condoms or
abstaining from sex for at least 3 months after symptom onset (if symptomatic)
or their last possible Zika virus exposure (if asymptomatic) to minimize their
risk for sexual transmission of Zika virus.
Winter
season is on the horizon and so is the marriage season. In India, the marriage
season will commence from the end of Chaturmas in November.
All
newly-weds should avoid starting a family if one of them has or is recovering
from dengue-like illness. Rule out Zika virus infection first.
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma
Shri Awardee
President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)
Group
Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President
Heart Care Foundation of India
Immediate Past National President IMA
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