Zika Virus Outbreak in Pune: A Detailed Report for Competitive Exam Preparation

A 28-year-old woman from Pashan, Pune, has tested positive for the Zika virus, according to officials. She exhibited mild symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed the presence of the virus in her blood samples on Thursday. Additionally, two more women have tested positive for the Zika virus based on reports from a private lab, and their samples will be sent to the NIV for confirmation.

As of July 5, Pune has reported seven confirmed cases of Zika virus infection, as per NIV reports. The local civic body only considers cases confirmed by the NIV as positive.

Additional Cases and Details

Two more women have tested positive for the Zika virus, according to a private lab. Their samples will be sent to the NIV for confirmation. The cases include a 31-year-old pregnant woman from Tingre Nagar, who is six weeks pregnant, and a 63-year-old woman from Deccan Mundhwa.

The pregnant woman, who has an IVF pregnancy and is in her first trimester, visited Jehangir Hospital for prenatal care and reported mild symptoms. Multiplex RT-PCR tests confirmed her Zika infection on Thursday. Dr. Piyush Chowdhari, an infectious diseases expert at Jehangir Hospital, stated that her health condition has improved, and her symptoms have subsided. An ultrasound test will be conducted after three to four weeks.

The 63-year-old woman experienced recurrent fever, severe joint pain, and skin rashes. Her test results from a private hospital confirmed Zika virus infection, which was reported to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday.

Preventive Measures and Surveillance

Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of PMC, mentioned that Zika-positive cases from private laboratories are considered suspected cases until confirmed by the NIV. Surveillance, door-to-door visits, and containment activities will be initiated in affected areas. Pregnant women and individuals with symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain are encouraged to get tested for Zika virus infection. Citizens should also take measures to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes.

On Friday, 11 samples of suspected patients were sent to the NIV for testing. These included samples from five pregnant women from Erandwane, four from Mundhwa, and one from Kothrud. Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, Health Officer of PMC, reported that five suspected Zika patients, all pregnant women from Dhanukar Colony and Laxmi Nagar, tested negative for the virus. To date, PMC has sent 64 samples to the NIV, including 41 from expecting mothers. The NIV has agreed to accept samples even on Saturdays.

Historical Context

The Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys and later in humans in 1952. It gained global attention during the 2015-2016 outbreak in Brazil, which was linked to severe birth defects such as microcephaly. The virus is primarily transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes but can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from mother to fetus during pregnancy.

Summary in Bullet Points

• New Case: A 28-year-old woman from Pashan, Pune, tested positive for Zika virus.
• Additional Cases: Two more women tested positive; samples sent to NIV for confirmation.
• Total Cases: Seven confirmed cases in Pune as of July 5.
• Pregnant Woman: 31-year-old from Tingre Nagar, six weeks pregnant, confirmed with Zika.
• Older Woman: 63-year-old from Deccan Mundhwa, confirmed with Zika.
• Preventive Measures: Surveillance, door-to-door visits, and containment activities initiated.
• Testing: 11 samples sent to NIV; five pregnant women tested negative.
• Transmission: Mosquito bites, sexual contact, mother-to-fetus, blood transfusion, organ donation.
• Risks: Zika infection during pregnancy can cause congenital Zika syndrome and Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
• Historical Context: First identified in Uganda in 1947; major outbreak in Brazil in 2015-2016.

This detailed report provides essential information for students preparing for competitive exams, offering both current updates and historical context on the Zika virus.