Increased Zika Risk in Pune: Two More Pregnant Women Infected
Pune, 12th July 2024: The risk of Zika virus in Pune has escalated with the infection of two more pregnant women on Thursday, bringing the total number of Zika cases in the city to 18. Out of these, 10 are pregnant women, prompting the health department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to prioritize testing for pregnant women in affected areas.
The newly infected women, aged 32 and 25, reside in the Kharadi area. They are 22 weeks and 18 weeks pregnant, respectively, and both received favorable results from anomaly scans. Neither showed symptoms of the virus.
Earlier, a Zika case had been detected in Kharadi, leading to the testing of eight pregnant women in the area. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed the Zika infection in the two women on Thursday.
Erandwane has reported the highest number of Zika cases in Pune, with six patients. Pashan and Kharadi have each reported three cases, while Mundhwa, Dahanukar Colony, Right Bhusari Colony, Ambegaon Budruk, and Kalas have each reported two cases.
In response to the outbreak, the health department is implementing preventive measures in affected areas, including identifying and destroying mosquito breeding sites. Notices have been issued to 333 homeowners for maintaining such sites, resulting in fines totaling Rs 1,88,600.
Zika Spreads to Rural Area
Zika has also been detected in rural areas, with a 65-year-old man in Saswad testing positive. The man began experiencing symptoms on June 24 and was admitted to a local hospital before being transferred to a private hospital in Pune. His blood sample was sent to the NIV on July 2, with a positive result confirmed on July 3. The patient had traveled to Miraj last month, but no other family members have shown symptoms of the virus.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to control the spread of Zika in both urban and rural areas.
