Pune Reports First Zika Virus Case in Pregnant Woman Amidst Rising Concerns

Pune, India – The city of Pune has reported its first case of a pregnant woman infected with the Zika virus, adding to the five cases recorded within the last 10 days. The woman, residing in Erandwane, was identified during surveillance conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) following recent reports of Zika cases in the area. With medical experts expressing concerns over the risk of microcephaly in newborns, authorities are taking preventive measures and conducting surveillance to control the mosquito population in the affected areas.

Hey there, Pune folks! It seems like the Zika virus has made its way into our city, with the first case of a pregnant woman being infected. This marks the fifth case in Pune in just the last 10 days. The woman, who lives in Erandwane, was identified during a surveillance conducted by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) after two other cases were reported in the area recently.

The woman is currently receiving treatment and will undergo retesting. Out of the five confirmed Zika cases in Pune, three are from Erandwane and two are from Mundhwa.

Medical experts are worried about Zika infections in pregnant women because of the risk of microcephaly in newborns, which is a condition where babies are born with smaller head circumferences. This risk is especially high if the infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is a crucial time for fetal head development.

Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer at PMC, mentioned that none of the five Zika cases in Pune have a travel history. Interestingly, one of the infected pregnant women lives just 150 meters away from the first reported case, which was a doctor. Additional samples have been collected, and surveillance is ongoing in the Mundhwa area, with test results from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) still pending.

To combat the spread of Zika, over 3,000 homes in Erandwane and 3,100 in Mundhwa have been surveyed. Potential mosquito breeding grounds, like containers, plastic cans, and tires that collect water, have been identified and removed. Residents have also been educated on preventive measures, and fogging activities have been carried out in both areas to control the mosquito population.

With the influx of pilgrims for the Palkhi procession, there are concerns about the rising number of Zika cases. However, civic officials are taking proactive measures by setting up health camps at various locations and deploying doctors to check for symptoms and provide medication.

Stay safe and take care, Pune! Let’s work together to keep our city healthy and Zika-free.

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