Zika virus in Pune: In a shocking incident, two patients of Zika virus in Pune have also reported co-infection of chikungunya and dengue. According to the officials of the National Institute of Virology (NIV), one Zika virus-positive patient’s sample also tested positive for chikungunya IgM antibodies, indicating a recent or acute co-infection with the chikungunya virus.
According to a report by TOI, the mosquito population in Pune consists of multiple viruses – Zika, dengue and chikungunya – and is actively transmitting them. A single mosquito can carry multiple viruses that can infect one person. In another scenario, a single patient can get bitten by different mosquitoes carrying distinct viruses.
According to the report, the severity of the co-infection with multiple viral infections may vary from person to person. However, the symptoms of each disease may likely overlap in the presence of co-infection.
In most cases of co-infection, the treatment protocol is primarily focused on managing the symptoms of dengue or chikungunya, the virus that’s co-infecting a patient with Zika virus.
Experts also warn that Zika virus can lead to serious complications among pregnant women so they need to be protected from the potential risk of microcephaly or other congenital abnormalities in the foetus.