Zika Cases Surge in Pune Post-Floods: Seven New Cases in a Day, Total Reaches 73
Pune, 7th August 2024: The aftermath of recent floods in Pune has led to a rapid increase in Zika virus cases, with seven new infections reported in a single day on Wednesday. Alarmingly, six of the newly detected patients are pregnant women, bringing the total number of Zika cases in the city to 73. Tragically, four patients have succumbed to the virus so far.
The highest concentration of Zika cases is in the Dahanukar Colony Ward Office area, with 16 patients. This is followed by 14 cases in the Erandwane Ward Office area. Other affected areas include Kharadi with 10 cases, Ghole Road with 7, Sukhsagarnagar with 6, Pashan and Mundhwa with 5 each, Ambegaon Budruk and Kalas with 3 each, and Lohgaon, Dhankawadi, Koregaon Park, and Wanwadi with 1 case each. Among the 73 patients, 32 are pregnant women. All four fatalities were senior citizens with co-morbidities, though the exact cause of their deaths is still under investigation.
The recent floods left many areas waterlogged, creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and consequently increasing the incidence of Zika virus infections. Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation’s preventive measures, continuous rains have hampered efforts to control the outbreak. On Wednesday alone, four new cases were reported in Dahanukar Colony, three of whom are pregnant women, and three additional pregnant women were infected in Kharadi.
Given the higher risk that Zika poses to pregnant women, the health department has prioritized their screening. Blood samples from pregnant women in affected areas are being sent to the National Institute of Virology for testing.
Zika Outbreak in Pune: Key Statistics
Total number of patients: 73
Pregnant patients: 32
Deaths: 4
Dr. Nina Borade, Head of Health at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), emphasized the ongoing efforts to mitigate the outbreak. “Following the floods, stagnant water has facilitated mosquito breeding, leading to an increase in Zika cases. We are implementing various measures in the affected areas, including spraying mosquito repellents twice and conducting public awareness campaigns,” she stated.
