Zika Threat In Maharashtra: Cases Rise To 140, Pregnant Women Most Affected
Zika Threat In Maharashtra: Cases Rise To 140, Pregnant Women Most Affected
Pune: The number of Zika virus cases in Maharashtra has risen to 140, with Pune reporting the highest count of 109 cases. Among the total cases in the state, nearly half are pregnant women. In response, the Public Health Department has implemented preventive measures and intensified fever patient surveys.
As of November 28, 2024, 140 Zika cases have been identified, including 63 pregnant women. Pune reported the first Zika case in the state earlier this year, and the city remains the most affected, with 109 cases within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits. Other areas with reported cases include Ahilyanagar (Sangamner) with 11, Pune Rural with 10, Pimpri-Chinchwad with 6, and Sangli, Miraj, Kolhapur, Solapur, and North Mumbai (Dadar) with 1 case each.
Notably, Pune recorded five Zika-related deaths, all of which involved elderly patients with underlying health conditions. The Health Department’s mortality review committee confirmed these deaths were due to comorbidities.
Over 2,068 suspected Zika samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing, with 140 confirmed positive cases. The health department has begun fever surveys in areas within a 3-5 km radius of Zika-positive cases and initiated preventive measures such as insecticide spraying to curb the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector for Zika.
Preventive Actions by the Health Department:
- Fever surveys in affected areas.
- Prioritized testing of pregnant women.
- Symptom-based treatment for all fever patients.
- Guidance to pregnant women on Zika risks.
- Mosquito-control measures, including fumigation.
- Instructions to private doctors to report suspected cases.
Dr. Babita Kamalapurkar, Deputy Director of Health, stated, “Zika patients do not require hospitalization, and the mortality rate is negligible. Citizens are advised to consult a doctor and seek timely treatment if they experience fever without panic.”
