Bangladesh has reported its first-ever cluster of Zika virus infections, with five individuals confirmed to have contracted the virus, according to a recent report from the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). The findings, based on samples collected in 2023, were released on the icddr,b’s official website today.
The study revealed that the five infected individuals’ samples were analyzed through whole genome sequencing and comparative analysis. The results confirmed that the strain of Zika virus present in Bangladesh belongs to the Asian lineage, marking an important milestone in the country’s understanding of the virus.
Zika virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has been associated with severe health complications, particularly for pregnant women. The virus can cause microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads, as well as other neurological disorders. While many Zika infections are mild or asymptomatic, the virus can have devastating effects on unborn children when contracted during pregnancy.
The icddr,b highlighted that Bangladesh’s tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and an extended rainy season, creates ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes. This environment also facilitates the spread of other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. The emergence of Zika adds another layer of concern to the public health challenges posed by these diseases.
Zika virus symptoms are similar to those of dengue, including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. However, the virus often goes undetected because approximately 80 percent of infected individuals do not show symptoms. In addition to being transmitted by mosquitoes, Zika can also be spread through sexual contact.
Health experts are particularly concerned about the risks to pregnant women, as the virus can cause birth defects in children. If a woman infected with Zika becomes pregnant, or if a pregnant woman contracts the virus, her child may face serious physical and neurological issues.
The Zika virus was first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947, and it was later detected in humans in 1952. Since then, the virus has spread to many countries worldwide, causing public health concerns wherever it has emerged.
As Bangladesh faces its first Zika virus outbreak, health authorities are urged to strengthen surveillance and prevention measures, particularly to control the mosquito population and raise awareness about the risks to pregnant women.
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