Pune is facing an alarming increase in Zika virus cases, with the latest report confirming that a 28-year-old woman from Pashan has tested positive for the infection. This brings the city’s total confirmed cases to seven as of July 5, 2024, according to the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
The Latest Cases
The recent case involves a 28-year-old woman experiencing mild symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. Her diagnosis was confirmed by the NIV, highlighting the city’s growing public health challenge.
In addition, two more women have tested positive for Zika virus infection from a private laboratory. These cases include a 31-year-old pregnant woman from Tingre Nagar and a 63-year-old woman from Deccan Mundhwa. Their samples have been sent to the NIV for confirmation.
Pregnant Women at Risk
The 31-year-old pregnant woman, who is in her first trimester and undergoing IVF treatment, sought care at Jehangir Hospital after experiencing symptoms for two days. Dr. Piyush Chowdhari, an infectious diseases expert at the hospital, emphasized the high-risk nature of her pregnancy and provided symptomatic treatment. The 63-year-old woman, suffering from recurrent fever, severe joint pain, and skin rashes, also received a positive diagnosis from a private hospital.
PMC’s Response and Preventive Measures
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), stated that suspected cases from private laboratories are considered provisional until confirmed by the NIV. The PMC is ramping up its efforts, including surveillance, door-to-door visits, and containment activities in affected areas. Pregnant women and individuals with symptoms are urged to get tested.
On Friday, the PMC sent 11 samples of suspected cases to the NIV, including five samples from pregnant women. Of the 64 samples sent to the NIV to date, 41 have been from expecting mothers. Fortunately, five suspected cases from Dhanukar colony and Laxmi Nagar tested negative.
Understanding Zika Virus
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites but can also spread through sexual contact, mother-to-fetus during pregnancy, blood transfusion, and organ donation. Infections during pregnancy can lead to severe congenital malformations in infants, collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome. This includes microcephaly, limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities, and hearing loss. The virus can also cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the fetus.