Pune: Another Zika virus case has been reported in the Kodre vasti area of Mundhwa. The patient tested positive in a private laboratory, although the National Institute of Virology's (NIV) confirmation is still pending. This brings the total number of Zika cases in Pune to three.
Previously, a doctor and his daughter in the Erandwane area were diagnosed with Zika. The latest case involves a 47-year-old woman from Kodre vasti in Mundhwa. She was admitted to a private hospital in Hadapsar due to recurring fever.
As her condition could not be accurately diagnosed, doctors conducted a Zika test, which came back positive. Her blood sample has been sent to the NIV for confirmation, and the results are awaited by the health department.
In response, Dr. Pratapsingh Saranikar, Assistant Director of the Health Department, has sent a letter to the Municipal Corporation’s Health Chief. The letter states that three Zika cases have been found within the municipal limits.
The entomological team of the health department has conducted inspections in the affected areas. The municipal corporation has been instructed to survey fever cases in these areas and to spray insecticides from 8 to 10 AM and 5 to 8 PM to control the mosquito population.
"Blood samples of fever patients in areas where Zika cases have been reported should be sent for testing. Additionally, pregnant women in these areas should be registered and undergo sonography every three months," stated Dr. Pratapsingh Saranikar, Assistant Director of the Health Department.
In the Erandwane Zika case, a 46-year-old doctor and his 15-year-old daughter, first noticed symptoms when the doctor developed a fever and rashes.
On June 18, he sent his blood sample to the National Institute of Virology, which confirmed Zika infection on June 20. Following this, his daughter also exhibited mild symptoms and tested positive for the virus on June 21.
Prior to this, 20 suspected cases of dengue were also reported in the Sadaanandnagar area of Mangalwar Peth.
