Pregnant Women’s Miscarriage and Fetal Malformation Risks... 110 Zika Virus Infections in Thailand This Year

Mainly Occurring in Southeast Asia and Latin America
Symptoms Include Rash, Fever, Joint Pain, and Conjunctivitis

Thai authorities have urged caution regarding Zika virus infections. It is reported that the number of infected cases has increased to 110 this year.

According to major foreign media on the 29th, the Thai Ministry of Public Health announced that, based on their statistics, 110 people have been infected with the Zika virus as of the 19th of this month. The number of infections has gradually increased since May, with 30 cases last month, the highest monthly count.

Zika virus infection, which mainly occurs in Southeast Asia and Latin America, is transmitted through mosquito bites from infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include rash, fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.

The mortality rate of the Zika virus is extremely low, but infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or congenital malformations. It is also known to affect fetal microcephaly and developmental disorders in children.

Opas Kankawinpong, Director of the Disease Control Department, said, "Six pregnant women were infected with the Zika virus this month," adding, "The Zika virus poses a risk of causing miscarriage or fetal microcephaly."

Tracking 241 pregnant women infected with the Zika virus from 2016 to last year, health authorities found that 4 experienced miscarriages and 3 newborns showed signs of microcephaly.

The government stated that the Zika virus has been detected nationwide this year, especially spreading in areas where dengue fever occurs. Authorities have instructed communities to expand health screenings for pregnant women and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.