Chikungunya Outbreak Declared In Pune Ahead Of PM’s Visit

Pune, 7th June 2022: The Public Health Department has declared an outbreak of vector-borne diseases dengue and chikungunya at Vittalwadi in Dehugaon, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pune district on June 14, which requires strict adherence to safety and hygiene procedures.

Despite the fact that health experts are working around the clock, the numbers continue to rise. Health officials sent 85 samples of suspected patients to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), according to data available till Monday.

There have been 60 cases of chikungunya reported, with 17 cases of illnesses combined with dengue fever. On Monday, samples were gathered from 20 more suspicious patients.

Health teams visit residences in afflicted regions daily, according to Dr Kishor Yadav, medical officer of the primary health centre in Dehugaon, and conduct illness surveillance, awareness and prevention efforts.

“Insecticides are placed in the water that households store, which has been a major source of mosquito breeding in the area. The situation is improving as a result of regular door-to-door surveys. The Breteau Index (BI) has also gone down significantly since Saturday,” Yadav added.

He went on to say that infected people are being treated at out-patient departments (OPDs) and that the majority of them are doing well.

“After treatment, the reported index cases are on the road to recovery. We’re not going to take any chances. Every suspicious case is being sampled and sent to the NIV as soon as possible,” Yadav added.

According to Dr Abhay Tidke, Extra District Health Officer, the teams have been visiting all residences and raising information on the practises that need to be followed to control the surge.

According to Tidke, “The outbreak has been contained by health professionals, and the situation will be under control soon. Insecticides are now being sprayed. Special attention and care is given to expectant moms and senior citizens. Mosquito nets and repellents have been recommended. The container survey is still going on, and anyone experiencing symptoms should go to the local hospital.