Zika Scare in Pune: Six More Suspected Cases Surface, Blood Samples Sent for Testing
Pune, 22nd November 2023: Pune has witnessed a surge in Zika concerns as six additional suspected cases of the disease have emerged in the city. The blood samples of these individuals have been dispatched to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for comprehensive testing.
The initial Zika case in Pune was identified in Prateeknagar, Yerawada, last week, marking the first instance of the disease in the city this year. The patient from the first case, identified as a 64-year-old woman, is reportedly showing signs of improvement. The Public Health Department and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have initiated preventive measures in the affected area.
The Municipal Health Department has confirmed the discovery of six more suspected cases in the same locality, with individuals exhibiting symptoms of fever. The blood samples from these suspected patients have been sent for testing to determine the presence of the Zika virus.
The first confirmed Zika patient attended a cultural program in Pimpri-Chinchwad, leading to concerns of potential transmission during the event. The 64-year-old woman, who participated in the program, later experienced fever and body aches, prompting her admission to a private hospital in Pune. Subsequent testing confirmed her diagnosis with Zika.
It has been reported that several individuals from Kerala also attended the cultural program in Pimpri-Chinchwad, raising the possibility that the woman may have contracted the virus from one of the infected participants.
The heightened Zika scare in Yerawada has prompted health authorities to remain vigilant, with ongoing testing and preventive measures being implemented. Additionally, test reports for five family members of the initial Zika patient are still pending, adding to the urgency of monitoring and addressing the situation.
