Pune: The city has reported two more positive cases of Zika, bringing the total number of cases to 12. A 42-year-old woman from Karvenagar, working in the insurance department of a private hospital, and a 22-year-old man from Kharadi tested positive late on Saturday (July 6).
The woman had been experiencing symptoms similar to viral fever for the past week and a half. When she developed a rash along with a fever, her physician sent a sample to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing, which came back positive for Zika virus. Her blood test was negative, but the urine test was positive.
The woman, who is not pregnant, has since recovered and is currently at home. Her treatment was managed on an outpatient basis. Given the proximity of her residence to the hospital, vector control and other preventive measures will be implemented in the area, according to the municipal health department.
In a separate case, a 22-year-old man from Kharadi who sought treatment at Pune Municipal Corporation's Kodre Hospital also tested positive for Zika. He had experienced fever and a rash for a day before his sample was sent for testing.
As Kharadi falls under the Yerawada Nagar Road Ward Office jurisdiction, preventive measures will be undertaken by the local medical officer's team in the area.
Zika is an Aedes mosquito borne viral disease like Dengue and Chikungunya. It is a non-fatal disease. However, Zika is associated with microcephaly (reduced head size) of babies born to affected pregnant women which makes it a major concern.
In view of Zika virus cases from Maharashtra, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory to States highlighting the need for maintaining a state of constant vigil over the Zika virus situation in the country.
States are urged to instruct the health facilities in the affected areas or those catering cases from affected areas to screen the pregnant women for Zika virus infection, monitor the growth of the fetus of expecting mothers who have tested positive for Zika and act as per Central Government Guidelines.