IMA warns pregnant women against travel to Zika-hit nations

Pregnant women should avoid travelling to countries at risk of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission, which is strongly suspected of causing microcephaly, said the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Thursday.

Microcephaly, which literally means small head, is a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development. In hard-hit Brazil there is a possible link between the virus and a neurological disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome, it said.

“Women who have made such trips and develop Zika symptoms — fever, rash, muscle aches and conjunctivitis — during or within two weeks of their travel should be tested for the virus.

“Clinicians should report positive tests to the appropriate local or state health department. In addition, they should schedule regular ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth in Zika-positive pregnant women,” said Dr K K Aggarwal, Secretary General, IMA.