Pune Reports 66 Zika Virus Cases Since June, Four Deaths Due to Comorbidities
At least 66 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune city since June, with four deaths due to comorbidities. The patients who died were aged between 68 and 78, and the cause of death was not due to Zika but due to cardiac issues, liver ail
Zika VirusPuneMaharashtraHealth DepartmentMosquito Borne DiseasesReal Estate PuneAug 06, 2024
At least 66 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune city since June, with four deaths due to comorbidities. The patients who died were aged between 68 and 78, and the cause of death was not due to Zika but due to cardiac issues, liver ailments, and old age.
These four patients were suffering from various health issues, and their reports came positive for the virus from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) after death. The Pune Municipal Corporation's health department would, nonetheless, send their reports to the death audit committee of the Maharashtra government.
The first case of Zika virus infection in the city this year was reported on June 20. A 46-year-old doctor in the Erandwane area tested positive, following which, his 15-year-old daughter too tested positive for the infection.
Pregnant women with Zika virus maybe prone to microcephaly (a condition in which the head is significantly smaller due to abnormal brain development) in the foetus. However, of the 26 pregnant women who tested positive, most are in good health.
The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit dengue and chikungunya infections. The PMC health department is conducting surveillance and taking measures such as fumigation to curb the breeding of mosquitoes.
While Mumbai reports the highest number of dengue and malaria cases in the state every year, Zika doesn’t make the list even though it is highly transmissible. The reason there are no reported cases of the Zika virus in Mumbai is that civic authorities are not actively looking for it, according to state health department officials.
From a public health standpoint, it is unlikely that there are no Zika cases in Mumbai. It is only when a case is reported from an area that there is a focus on mass testing within a five-km radius, said Dr Radhakishan Pawar, deputy director of state health services.
One reason for the limited scope of large-scale diagnosis is the lack of testing facilities. KEM Hospital is the only hospital in the city that tests patients for the Zika virus. Apart from that, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune is the only diagnostic facility for Zika testing in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zika virus?
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause microcephaly (a condition in which the head is significantly smaller due to abnormal brain development) in the foetus.
How many cases of Zika virus have been reported in Pune since June?
At least 66 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune city since June.
What is the cause of death in the four patients who died due to Zika virus?
The cause of death was not due to Zika but due to cardiac issues, liver ailments, and old age.
Why are there no reported cases of Zika virus in Mumbai?
The reason there are no reported cases of the Zika virus in Mumbai is that civic authorities are not actively looking for it, according to state health department officials.
Where can patients get tested for Zika virus in Mumbai?
KEM Hospital is the only hospital in the city that tests patients for the Zika virus. Apart from that, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune is the only diagnostic facility for Zika testing in the state.
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