Health officials in Pune, India, have reported six cases of Zika virus infection, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease. Among the infected individuals, two pregnant women have tested positive for the virus. Thankfully, both pregnant women are in stable condition and are currently asymptomatic.
The first pregnant woman, a 28-year-old resident of the Erandwane area, was diagnosed with Zika virus on Friday, July 1. The second pregnant woman, who is 12 weeks pregnant, was diagnosed with the infection on Monday, July 1. Both women are being closely monitored by medical professionals.
The health officer for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, has confirmed that a total of 25 samples were collected for testing. Of those, 12 samples were collected from Erandwane, including the two pregnant women. Seven of the Erandwane samples tested positive for Zika, while 13 samples collected from Mundhwa tested negative.
The Zika virus can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to microcephaly, a serious birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head due to abnormal brain development. The virus is transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are also known to carry dengue and chikungunya. The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947.
Health officials are urging the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long clothing, and ensuring that their homes are free of standing water where mosquitoes can breed. They are also emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of Zika virus infection.
