Zika Virus in Pune: The number of Zika virus cases is increasing in Maharashtra’s Pune. The total number of cases now stands at 18. According to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) official, as many as ten pregnant women have tested positive for Zika virus infection.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the virus infection has been detected in samples of the new cases including a 32-year-old pregnant woman and a 25-year-old pregnant woman both from Kharadi.

“Following the first case reported on June 20, the surveillance and containment activities have been started in the active Zika transmission areas,” said Dr Kalpana Baliwant, health officer of PMC as quoted by Hindustan Times. Reportedly, anomaly scans of both women are normal.

According to a report by Indian Express, health officials have sent a total of 129 samples of pregnant women to ICMR-National Institute of Virology. PMC’s health department has collected a fine of Rs 1.8 lakh from societies and under construction sites where breeding spots have been identified.

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Amid the rise in Zika virus cases, the Health Ministry has issued an advisory to States to be vigilant; screen pregnant women, and strengthen entomological surveillance and intensify vector-control activities. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has asked States not only to increase testing for Zika but also to test patients with chikungunya and dengue-like symptoms who test negative for these infections for Zika.

How to prevent Zika virus infection?

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the best protection from Zika virus is preventing mosquito bites indoors and outdoors, especially from sunrise to sunset when mosquitos are most active.

Such measures include:

  • Use mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
  • Sleeping or resting in screened or air-conditioned rooms
  • Using mosquito nets
  • Use a condom when staying in an area with active Zika transmission
  • If symptoms were experienced, condoms should be used for six months following the cessation of symptoms.
  • Travellers returning from Zika-affected areas are not allowed to donate blood until the risk of infection has passed, which is 28 days after returning from a Zika-affected area.