Pune Reports First Zika Virus Case in Pregnant Woman

Pune, 1st July 2024: Pune city has recorded its first case of a pregnant woman infected with the Zika virus, marking the fifth case in the city within the last 10 days. The woman, a resident of Erandwane, was identified during surveillance conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) after two Zika cases were recently reported in the area.

The woman is currently undergoing treatment and will be retested. Of the five confirmed Zika cases in Pune, three are from Erandwane and two from Mundhwa.

Medical experts have expressed concern over Zika infections in pregnant women due to the risk of microcephaly (smaller head circumference) in newborns. The risk is particularly significant if the infection occurs during the first trimester, a critical period for fetal head development.

PMC Assistant Health Officer Dr. Rajesh Dighe reported that none of the five Zika cases in Pune have any travel history. Among the cases, a pregnant woman resides just 150 meters from the first reported case, a doctor. Authorities have collected three additional samples and are conducting surveillance in the Mundhwa area, with test results from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) pending.

In response, over 3,000 homes in Erandwane and 3,100 in Mundhwa have been surveyed. Multiple containers, plastic cans, and tires that could collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds have been identified and removed. Residents have been educated on preventive measures, and fogging activities have been carried out in both areas to control the mosquito population.

Epidemiologists have raised concerns about the rising number of Zika cases coinciding with the arrival of lakhs of pilgrims for the Palkhi procession. However, civic officials are taking measures to prevent an outbreak by setting up health camps at various locations and deploying doctors to check for symptoms and provide medication.