Two cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune, Maharashtra for the first time this year. A 46-year-old doctor and his teenage daughter tested positive for the virus, according to an official. The doctor and his daughter, who reside in the Erandwane area of Pune, were diagnosed with the virus and subsequently discharged from the hospital.
A sample from the doctor was initially sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune after symptoms were observed in the patients. The report confirming the Zika infection was received on June 21. Subsequently, samples from the doctor’s family were also sent for testing, revealing that his daughter had also contracted the virus, while other family members tested negative.
While no other suspected cases have been reported in the area, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has implemented precautionary measures to control the spread of the virus. These measures include fogging and fumigation to curb mosquito breeding.
Following the detection of these cases, the PMC conducted a thorough inspection of the area and issued an advisory to residents urging them to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to prevent a potential outbreak. The PMC has also taken further precautions, including fumigation, to prevent the spread of the virus. They are urging citizens to adhere to the guidelines and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of Zika.
The PMC assures the public that they are closely monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures to control the spread of the virus in the city. Public awareness campaigns have been launched in the area, and authorities are closely monitoring the health of pregnant women.
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer at the PMC, emphasized that while Zika generally does not lead to serious complications, infection during pregnancy can potentially cause microcephaly in the fetus.
Dr. Dighe explained that the Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that carries diseases like dengue and chikungunya. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.
