The Zika virus is ‘spreading explosively’ in the Americas and the region may see up to four million cases of the disease strongly suspected of causing birth defects, the World Health Organisation warned on 28 January, reported AFP.

‘In Brazil, women, infected with the Zika virus — a relatively unknown mosquito-borne viral disease — have reportedly given birth to children with unusually small heads. According to the WHO, last year, the virus was detected in the Americas. As of Thursday, cases have been reported in 23 countries and territories in the region’, reported NDTV.

‘Currently, the virus is largely circulating in Latin America, but through travellers it has also been reported in Maldives, and Thailand.  India offers a similar environment to the virus’.

The mentioned countries are popular tourist destinations for Bangladeshis, increasing the risk of the virus also spreading in Bangladesh.

Infection of the Zika virus happens when the Aedes mosquito — the same mosquito that transmits the Dengue virus which is found widely in Bangladesh — bites a person.

‘The Indian Medical Association has issued an advisory asking pregnant women to avoid visiting Latin America. India has the diagnostic kits but treatment still eludes the world.’

‘The Zika virus presents symptoms very similar to dengue with fever, rash, joint pain and redness in eyes; usually it passes off as a mild infection.’

‘The best prevention is to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito that breeds in clean water and spreads the Zika virus. India is keeping a close watch on the situation as it unfolds on the Zika virus.’

‘India offers a fertile ground for the virus to breed’, and Bangladesh is no difference.

As of now no Zika virus case has been reported in the country.