Zika Virus Cases in Pune Rise to 15: Two Pregnant Women and a Teen Diagnosed

Pune, 10th July 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Health Department reported yesterday that two pregnant women from the Pashan area and a 15-year-old boy from Bhusari Colony have been diagnosed with the Zika virus. This brings the total number of Zika cases in Pune to fifteen. All patients are currently in stable condition and receiving treatment at home.

The affected areas include Erandwane, Mundhwa, Dahanukar Colony, Pashan, Ambegaon Budruk, Kharadi, and Kalas, with eight of the patients being pregnant women. This has added to the challenges faced by the health department.

Laboratory reports confirmed the infections in the two young women. One woman, 18 years old and 28 weeks pregnant, experienced prominent symptoms such as joint pain, headaches, and a sore throat, prompting blood sample testing. The second woman, 19 years old and 23 weeks pregnant, also exhibited similar symptoms.

Summary of Infections:

– Men: 4
– Women: 11
– Pregnant Women: 8
– Surveyed Population: 42,759
– Homes Surveyed for Zika Larvae: 13,004
– Homes Found with Zika Larvae: 354

Symptoms include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, redness of the eyes, and muscle pain.

Zika Virus Transmission:

The Zika virus spreads through the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito and can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse or during pregnancy.

Preventive Measures:

– Prevent mosquito breeding
– Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants
– Eliminate standing water around homes

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for Zika. Medications are administered based on symptoms. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and maintain a healthy diet.

Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, Medical Officer of the Health Department at PMC, emphasized the escalation of survey efforts due to the rising Zika cases in Pune. Priority is given to examining pregnant women in affected areas, resulting in a higher proportion of pregnant women among newly diagnosed patients. To mitigate risks among pregnant women, PMC’s health department is actively surveying and screening suspects. Additionally, blood samples from 31 women in Mundhwa, Pashan, Kharadi, and Kalas have been sent to the National Institute of Virology for testing.