Pregnant woman tests positive for Zika virus in India: Know how Zika virus affects foetal growth

Cases of Zika virus infection are rising fast. After a few cases were reported from Pune, Maharashtra, a pregnant woman has tested positive for Zika virus.

In the last 10 days, a total of 5 cases of Zika virus have been reported in Pune. The recent case, a pregnant woman, is from Erandwane. As per reports, she is undergoing treatment right now.

The woman's sonography report in May did not report anomalies in the fetus, but we have asked for an update on Monday again, deputy health officer of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Dr Kalpana Baliwant told TOI.

The pregnant woman lived 150 mtrs away from two Zika cases, the doctor and his daughter.

Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms; those who do typically have symptoms including rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache that last for 2–7 days, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Why is Zika virus infection a main health concern in pregnant women?

Pregnant women should exercise caution regarding Zika virus infection due to its potential to cause serious complications to both the mother and the developing fetus.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been linked to a birth defect known as microcephaly, where the baby is born with an abnormally small head and potential developmental delays. This occurs because the virus can cross the placental barrier and directly affect fetal brain development.

In addition to microcephaly, Zika virus infection has been associated with other birth defects such as eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and impaired growth. These defects can have lifelong implications for the affected child's health and development.

“The risk of congenital malformations following infection in pregnancy remains unknown; an estimated 5–15% of infants born to women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy have evidence of Zika-related complications,” the WHO says.

Pregnant women infected with Zika virus are at higher risk of pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth. The virus can lead to placental insufficiency, affecting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, thereby increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.


Even if a pregnant woman does not show symptoms of Zika virus infection, monitoring and screening are recommended, especially if she has traveled to or resides in an area with active Zika transmission. This helps detect any potential effects on the fetus early on, allowing for appropriate medical care and support.