Lagatar24 Desk
Pune: Pune district experienced a significant increase in Zika virus cases on Sunday, with nine new infections bringing the total to 48, according to the health department.
Among the nine new cases, seven were reported in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) area, and one each in Wagholi, Pune rural, and Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) area.
One of the new cases involves a 25-year-old pregnant woman from Shivane. She exhibited symptoms such as fever, rash, body aches, and headache. Her samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) on July 22, and the results confirmed the virus infection on Saturday. “She is 20 weeks pregnant, and her test reports received on Saturday confirmed the virus infection,” said Dr. Nina Borade, health chief of PMC.
Health officials have warned that Zika virus in pregnant women can cause congenital microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other neurological complications.
Another case is an 80-year-old woman from Kothrud, who tested positive and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital. She developed symptoms of fever and weakness on July 16 and was admitted to the hospital. “She is a known case of hypertension and diabetes and tested positive for the virus infection on Saturday,” said Dr. Suryakant Deokar, assistant health officer of PMC.
Additionally, a 10-year-old boy from Katraj tested positive for Zika virus on Friday. “He complained of fever, body aches, and headache, and his samples were sent to NIV for testing. The boy is taking treatment on an OPD basis,” added Dr. Deokar.
Other new cases include a 74-year-old woman from Erandwane, a 54-year-old woman from Law College Road, a 35-year-old woman from Kondhwa, and a 46-year-old man from Koregaon Park. Additionally, a 28-year-old woman from Wagholi and a 29-year-old woman from Fatima Nagar (PCB limits) also tested positive, according to reports received from NIV on Saturday.
Since June 20, Pune district has reported 48 Zika virus cases, including 14 pregnant women. Out of these 48 cases, 44 are from PMC, three from Pune rural (one each from Bhugaon, Saswad, and Wagholi), and one case in Pune cantonment limits.
“Maharashtra this year has reported the highest ever, 54 cases of Zika virus infection,” said Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, joint director of health services.
The Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit dengue and chikungunya. A majority of those infected with Zika either remain asymptomatic (up to 80%) or show mild symptoms of fever, rash, conjunctivitis, body aches, and joint pains.
