Zika virus in Pune: As the cases of Zika virus infection continue to rise in Pune, state authorities have sprung into action. Two more cases reported on Monday. This has brought the total number of confirmed cases in the city to six.
According to a report by news agency ANI, both these two cases involve pregnant women residing in Erandwane.
The first cases of Zika in Pune were reported by a doctor and his teenage daughter, who live in the same area as the two new cases. Following their positive test results, health officials conducted inspections and collected samples from the affected area.
On Saturday, it was confirmed that one pregnant woman from Erandwane and a 22-year-old man from Mundhwa had also tested positive for the virus.
What is the impact of Zika virus on pregnant women?
Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, health officer for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), stated that among the 25 samples collected, 12 were from Erandwane, including seven from pregnant women.
Out of these, two pregnant women tested positive for Zika. An additional 13 samples were collected from Mundhwa, with no reports of pregnant women testing positive, ANI reported.
According to doctors, pregnant women infected with Zika are considered to be at higher risk, so health officials are conducting anomaly scans for them and increasing surveillance in both affected areas.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects such as microcephaly. It is a condition where a baby is born with a smaller-than-normal head. Zika virus can also lead to other congenital abnormalities.
What is the situation is so far?
Amid the spread of Zika virus in Pune, efforts are being made to control the outbreak and prevent further infections.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and monitor their health for any symptoms of Zika. The PMC is working closely with health authorities to track and contain the spread of the virus in Pune, ANI reported.
Meanwhile, the PMC is urging citizens to follow the guidelines and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. They have assured that they are closely monitoring the situation and taking the necessary measures to control the spread of the virus in the city.