Zika virus continues to spread in Pune, total tally reaches 6 | Know all about mosquito-borne virus

Zika Virus in Pune : The Zika virus is still spreading in Pune, with two additional cases reported on Monday. This brings the total confirmed cases in the city to six. The latest cases involve two pregnant women living in Erandwane.

The first cases of Zika in Pune were reported by a 46-year-old doctor and his teenage daughter in Pune. The doctor, who resides in Erandwane, showed symptoms such as fever and rash. He was taken to a private hospital, and blood tests sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) on June 21 confirmed Zika infection.

On Saturday, it was confirmed that a pregnant woman from Erandwane and a 22-year-old man from Mundhwa tested positive for the Zika virus. 

Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, health officer for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), reported that of the 25 samples collected, 12 were from Erandwane, including seven from pregnant women. 

PMC steps up surveillance as Zika Virus cases rise in Pune

The spread of the Zika virus in Pune is a cause for concern, and efforts are underway to control the outbreak and prevent further infections. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and monitor their health for any symptoms of Zika.

The PMC is working closely with health authorities to track and contain the spread of the virus in Pune. They urge citizens to follow guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread. The PMC has assured that they are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to control the virus's spread in the city.

What is the Zika Virus?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, and other symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation. It is mostly transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which attacks during the day. 

Aside from mosquito bites, the virus can be passed from pregnant women to their foetuses via sexual contact, blood transfusions, and perhaps organ transplants.

Zika Virus - Symptoms

• Fever (typically less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Rashes
• Conjunctivitis (which is also known as pinkeye).
• Muscle and joint aches.
• Malaise
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain

Most Zika virus symptoms are mild and short-term, but they can have serious consequences during pregnancy, creating problems such as microcephaly and other birth abnormalities.

Zika Virus - Effects

The Zika virus can be dangerous, especially to pregnant women and their unborn babies.

• Microcephaly is a birth defect in which the baby's head is smaller than expected.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition that results in temporary muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Congenital Zika Syndrome is a condition that causes microcephaly, limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities, and hearing loss.
• Miscarriages: A Zika infection during pregnancy can result in miscarriages.
• Stillbirths: Zika infections during pregnancy can result in stillbirths.

- With inputs from agencies

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