Pune: The number of Zika virus cases in Maharashtra has risen to 138, with Pune city bearing the largest share of the infections. The Zika virus, which is transmitted through mosquitoes, first emerged in Pune in June.

Since then, cases have been reported in various locations including Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Dadar, and Sangli.

Pune city alone has recorded 108 cases, making it the most affected region in the state. Out of these, 6 cases have been reported in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 9 in rural Pune.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has taken extensive steps to monitor and control the spread of the virus, conducting inspections in 171,000 households across the city.

As part of these efforts, 798 blood serum samples have been collected and sent for testing. A majority of these samples—715 in total—were taken from pregnant women, as they are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Out of these, 45 pregnant women have tested positive for the Zika virus, according to the Maharashtra Health Department.

While the increasing number of cases may be alarming, health officials have assured the public that hospitalization is not required for Zika patients in most cases.

The symptoms, which can include fever, rash, and joint pain, are generally mild.

The health department has urged the public not to panic if they experience fever and to seek medical attention promptly rather than trying to manage the symptoms at home.

The state health department also emphasized that government hospitals provide excellent diagnostic and treatment services for Zika, and encouraged citizens to utilize these facilities.