After Three Zika Cases Detected in Pune, Municipal Corporation Initiates Preventive Measures

Pune, 29th June 2024: Three cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in Pune, with patients identified in the Erandwana and Mundhwa areas. The Municipal Corporation is actively responding to the outbreak by fumigating homes and conducting extensive testing.

In Erandwane, two cases were detected involving a 46-year-old doctor and his 15-year-old daughter. In Mundhwa, a 47-year-old woman tested positive for Zika, with her initial diagnosis confirmed by a private laboratory and later validated by the National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Following these discoveries, the Municipal Health Department has sent blood samples from several contacts for further testing. Specifically, samples from five pregnant women and three suspected cases from Erandwane have been dispatched to the NIV. Additionally, in Mundhwa, samples from twelve individuals, including three family members and nine neighbors of the infected woman, were also sent for analysis. On Friday, blood samples from three more individuals who came in contact with the Mundhwa patient were sent to the NIV for testing.

Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation, emphasized that preventive measures are being rigorously implemented. “We have fumigated 100 houses in both Erandwane and Mundhwa. Since Zika mosquitoes can breed indoors, it is crucial to control potential breeding sites,” said Dr. Dighe. He also mentioned that mosquito breeding sites at construction sites are being identified and eliminated, with notices issued to building owners to comply with preventive actions.

The Municipal Corporation is urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to report any symptoms of Zika virus infection. The health department continues to monitor the situation closely and will take additional measures as necessary to control the spread of the virus.