Pune: PMC Intensifies Efforts Following Zika Virus Cases, Begins Survey Of Pregnant Women In Erandwane, Mundhwa Areas
Zika Cases Surge in Pune: Union Health Ministry Issues Guidelines
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified efforts to combat the Zika virus following directives from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)—National Institute of Virology (NIV) and experts from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). Since Tuesday, PMC has launched surveillance activities and door-to-door surveys to detect Zika virus infections, especially among pregnant women.
As part of this initiative, PMC has sent 25 samples to NIV, including 13 from Mundhwa and 12 from Erandwane. Among these samples, five were from pregnant women, with two cases confirmed positive for Zika virus, both from the Erandwane area. Currently, PMC oversees 483 pregnant women registered at civic-run hospitals for antenatal care across affected wards: 72 in Warje-Karve Nagar, 60 in Mundhwa, and 351 in Kothrud-Bavdhan.
PMC officials have assured that all infected patients, including the two pregnant women, are stable and receiving outpatient treatment. Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, PMC’s health officer, emphasized the seriousness of Zika virus for expecting mothers, prompting PMC to extend surveillance to the entire Kothrud-Warje ward office jurisdiction and surrounding areas. She urged all pregnant women undergoing antenatal care at PMC hospitals to undergo Zika virus testing, with PMC’s Asha workers and health officials tasked with counseling them accordingly.
The public health department remains vigilant, continuing efforts to contain the virus and protect vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women. PMC continues to collaborate closely with health authorities and experts to ensure timely detection, treatment, and prevention of Zika virus spread in Pune.
PMC’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to safeguarding public health amidst the ongoing Zika virus surveillance and containment activities.
