Zika Virus in Pune : Six more blood samples of suspected patients sent for testing 

By: Pune Pulse

November 22, 2023

Pune: On November 16 (Thursday), the first patient of Zika virus was found in Pratik Nagar area in Yerawada. Since then, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been taking proactive measures to tackle & stop the spread of Zika virus.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Dr Suryakant Deokar, Assistant Health & Immunization Officer, PMC said, “We are taking action & precautions by conducting surveys everywhere about the probable symptoms of Zika virus. All precautionary measures are being taken by PMC in the city, especially in Yerawada where the first patient was found. Those who have fever or other possible symptoms of Zika are being tested & samples are collected. Also, we are spreading the message to everyone to check themselves with a doctor from time to time.”

As per information from WHO, the Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that was discovered in 1947 in Uganda in a Rhesus macaque monkey. In the 1950s, evidence of infection and illness in humans was found in other African nations.

Human infections were found sporadically in Asia and Africa between the 1960s and 1980s. On the other hand, Zika virus outbreaks have been documented in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific since 2007.

Symptoms

The majority of Zika virus infections result in no symptoms at all. If they do, they usually appear 3–14 days after the infection, last 2–7 days, and are generally mild with symptoms like rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Since these symptoms are shared by both arboviral and non-arboviral illnesses, laboratory confirmation is necessary for the diagnosis of Zika virus infection.

First Zika Virus patient was found in Pune on 16th November –

A 64-year-old woman was infected with Zika. A few days ago, a cultural program was held in Pimpri-Chinchwad which was attended by this woman. Following the event the woman started suffering from fever and body ache. Meanwhile, when the woman was admitted to a private hospital in Pune, it was noticed that she was affected with Zika.

Thus, the PMC has appealed to all citizens to immediately consult a doctor if affected by the Zika Virus.

Shreyas Vange

Joyville