Hey there, folks! Big news coming out of Pune today – the Zika virus outbreak in Maharashtra is getting serious. The total number of active cases has now reached 140, with Pune at the centre of it all. In fact, Pune has reported a whopping 109 cases, including five unfortunate fatalities.
What’s really concerning is that nearly half of the affected patients are pregnant women. Yikes! The state health department is stepping up their game with enhanced preventive measures and surveillance efforts to keep everyone safe.
The five unfortunate souls who lost their lives in Pune were senior citizens with underlying health conditions. The State Health Department’s Death Investigation Committee has confirmed that the deaths were mainly due to other health issues, but Zika is still a major health concern.
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is leading the charge with the most cases, especially in hotspots like Ahilyanagar (Sangamner) with 11 cases. Other areas like Pune Rural, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and even places like Sangli and Kolhapur have also seen cases pop up.
A total of 2,068 blood samples were sent for testing to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), and unfortunately, 140 came back positive for Zika. Among those cases, 63 are pregnant women, which is raising some serious red flags due to the potential for congenital disabilities.
The health department is on high alert, ramping up surveillance and conducting fever surveys in affected areas. They’re also spraying insecticides to get rid of those pesky Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the main culprits spreading Zika. Symptomatic treatment is being provided to all febrile patients, and private practitioners are on standby to report any suspected cases ASAP.
It’s all hands on deck as public health officials stress the importance of mosquito control, community awareness, and vigilant monitoring to stop the spread of Zika. Stay safe out there, Pune!
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