Pune Reports First Suspected Case of West Nile Virus This Year
Pune Reports First Suspected Case of West Nile Virus This Year
Pune may have its first case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in 2024. A private hospital in the city reported the case after a patient exhibited fever and body aches. Initial tests for chikungunya, dengue, and Zika returned negative results.
Doctors at the hospital conducted further testing using a tropical fever panel at a private lab. This revealed a positive result for West Nile virus, marking the first suspected case of WNV at the hospital in five years. Fortunately, the patient did not experience any complications and has since been discharged.
The suspected WNV case has been referred to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). A PMC official stated that the civic body cannot confirm the hospital’s findings until the National Institute of Virology (NIV) verifies the results. The official mentioned, “We’ve asked the hospital to send the patient sample to the NIV for confirmation.”
West Nile virus is an arbovirus transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes or ticks. It shares symptoms with other mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya and dengue, which can complicate diagnosis.
As health officials investigate the case, they urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent potential infections. Monitoring for mosquito activity will also be essential as the rainy season continues, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
The community is advised to stay informed and vigilant as further developments unfold regarding this suspected case of West Nile virus in Pune.
