Two More Pregnant Women in Pune Test Positive for Zika Virus, Total Cases Rise to Nine

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recorded nine cases of Zika virus infection since June 20, including five pregnant women. The number of infections continues to rise, with two new cases reported on Friday, bringing the total to nine. According to reports from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune, the latest cases include a 33-year-old pregnant woman from Mundhwa and a 27-year-old pregnant woman from Ambegaon Budhruk.

The 33-year-old from Mundhwa, who is eight weeks pregnant, exhibits mild symptoms of the infection. The 27-year-old from Ambegaon Budhruk, who is 12 weeks pregnant, reported mild symptoms such as headache and fever. Her samples were sent to NIV on July 3, with positive results received on Friday evening. Additionally, a 43-year-old man from Prabhat Road tested positive for the virus, as confirmed by a private laboratory on Saturday, stated Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of PMC.

On Saturday, PMC sent samples of 29 suspected patients, including 27 pregnant women. This includes 25 pregnant women from Pashan and one each from Erandwane and Dahanukar Colony. To date, PMC has sent 93 samples to NIV, with 68 being from pregnant women.

Dr. Dighe added that containment efforts are also underway in Tingre Nagar, where a pregnant woman tested positive according to a private lab. Her samples have been sent to NIV for confirmation. The Ambegaon Budhruk area, newly merged into PMC limits, is under scrutiny for further activities.

The civic health department has levied a fine of Rs 10,000 on the builder of a society in Mundhwa after a mosquito breeding site was located in a duct. “A 33-year-old woman who is 8 weeks pregnant stays in this society and while she is asymptomatic, our team has visited the family and counseled them,” Dr. Dighe said.

Most Zika virus infections are asymptomatic (up to 80%) or cause mild symptoms such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis, body aches, and joint pains. The virus can be transmitted before, during, and after the symptomatic phase. In pregnant women, Zika can lead to congenital microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other neurological complications, officials said.