Zika Virus Scare in Pune Subsides: All Nine Suspected Cases Test Negative
Pune, 25th November 2023: In a recent development, Pune has witnessed a case of Zika virus infection. Serum samples from suspected patients were promptly sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for examination. However, the results have brought relief, as all nine suspects tested negative for the Zika virus. Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) health officials confirmed on Friday that there is currently no active Zika patient in Pune.
Providing details about the confirmed case, Dr Suryakant Deokar, Assistant Health Head of the PMC’s Health Department, stated, “On November 15, a 64-year-old woman from Yerawada was diagnosed with Zika virus infection in the city. The woman had recently travelled from Kerala, where the likelihood of Zika infection was predicted. She presented symptoms of fever, chills, cold, and cough.”
“To address her condition, the patient was admitted to a private hospital. Diagnostic tests conducted there confirmed Zika virus infection. Subsequently, the patient’s blood samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for further verification, which also confirmed the Zika diagnosis. In response, a swift survey was initiated in the Yerawada area. Additionally, head samples from nine other suspects were sent to NIV. Fortunately, the results for all suspects came back negative. As of now, there is no Zika patient reported in Pune city,” he asserted during the announcement.
The health department continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and public awareness to mitigate the spread of Zika virus infections in the region.
