New Zika Virus Case In Pune Raises Total to 37
Zika Virus Update: Maharashtra Reports 138 Cases, Majority in Pune
On Friday, Pune reported a new case of Zika virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the city to 37. The most recent patient is a Prabhat Road resident, 72, who started exhibiting symptoms on July 15 and includes fever and swelling. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) verified the infection on Wednesday.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has inspected around 48,000 residences as of Friday. It was discovered that 1,167 of these homes had mosquito eggs and larvae. The affected areas include Erandwane (8 cases), Mundhwa (4 cases), Dahanukar Colony (8 cases), Pashan (4 cases), Ambegaon (2 cases), Kharadi (3 cases), Lohegaon (1 case), Kalas (2 cases), Kondhwa (2 cases), Ghole Road (2 cases), and Dhankawadi (1 case).
Transmission
- Zika virus is mainly spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, common in tropical and subtropical regions.
- These mosquitoes are active primarily during the day and can also transmit dengue, chikungunya, and urban yellow fever.
- The virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and potentially via organ transplants.
Prevention
- Prevent mosquito bites both indoors and outdoors, especially from sunrise to sunset when mosquitoes are most active.
- Recommended measures include:
- Using mosquito repellent as per the product instructions.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
- Staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
- Using mosquito nets.
- Additional measures:
- Use condoms if in an area with Zika transmission and continue for at least eight weeks after returning. If symptoms are present, condoms should be used for six months after symptoms end.
- Travelers returning from Zika-affected regions should not donate blood until 28 days after their return.
Symptoms
Most Zika virus infections are asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they generally appear 3-14 days after infection and are mild, including:
- Rash
- Fever
- Conjunctivitis
- Muscle and joint pain
- Malaise and headache
Symptoms typically last 2-7 days. Given their similarity to other diseases, laboratory confirmation is needed for a definitive diagnosis.
