A team from the ICMR National Institute of Virology has discovered Zika virus in mosquito pool and larvae samples collected from Pashan, Erandwane, and Mundhwa in Pune, India. The detection of the virus in these areas has led authorities to implement preventative measures aimed at controlling mosquito breeding within a five-kilometer radius of the affected zone. The Zika virus outbreak in Pune commenced on June 20, and as of July 31, a total of 49 cases have been reported. Three additional cases have been identified in rural areas surrounding Pune.
To assess the extent of the outbreak, officials collected 203 mosquito samples and 1,094 larvae samples, which were sent to the National Institute of Virology for analysis. Initial testing revealed the presence of Zika virus in samples from Erandwane and Pashan. Further testing on July 31 confirmed the virus’s presence in samples collected from Mundhwa.
Two new cases of Zika virus were reported in Pune on Wednesday, July 31. One of the cases involves a 27-year-old pregnant woman from Manikbaug, Sinhagad Road, who exhibited symptoms such as fever and rashes. Blood samples tested positive for Zika virus, and the woman is currently 21 weeks pregnant. The second case involves a 78-year-old man from Baner, who also tested positive for the virus. He is currently hospitalized at a private facility.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sent samples from 20 suspected patients, including 17 pregnant women, for testing. To date, the PMC has submitted 448 samples, including 395 from expectant mothers, to the National Institute of Virology for analysis. In response to the rising number of Zika virus cases, state and PMC health officials convened a meeting on July 31. During the meeting, strategies to address the situation and implement containment measures were discussed. Health officials have been instructed to remain vigilant following the detection of Zika virus in mosquitoes within the city. Dr. S S Anuse, an entomologist at the Public Health Department, stated that the meeting focused on developing strategies to contain the outbreak.
