Maharashtra has recorded its highest number of Zika virus cases this year, with a total of 28 infections reported, including three new cases in Pune city. This alarming increase highlights the ongoing health concerns surrounding mosquito-borne diseases.
Recent Case Details
The latest cases in Pune include a 27-year-old woman from Kothrud, a 49-year-old man from Lohegaon, and a 14-year-old girl from Tulshibaug Colony, Sahakar Nagar. Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), confirmed that the woman exhibited symptoms of fever, rash, and joint pain, with her samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) on July 6 and confirmed positive on July 16.
The man from Lohegaon presented symptoms including fever, rash, and body aches. His samples were submitted to the NIV on July 7 and tested positive on Tuesday. He has a history of cardiac issues and recently underwent angioplasty. The girl also displayed symptoms such as fever, rash, and headache, with her samples sent for testing on July 8, also confirming Zika infection.
Ongoing Monitoring and Investigations
In total, 12 samples from suspected patients have been sent to the NIV, including seven from pregnant women. Locations of these samples include Kalas, Kharadi, Pashan, and Kondhwa. Since June 20, the PMC has documented 24 cases of Zika in Pune, with 10 of those involving pregnant women. All infections in the Pune district have emerged within the past month, indicating active transmission in several ward offices.
Local Transmission and Public Health Insights
Experts from the India Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) have noted that local transmission of the Zika virus is ongoing in Pune, with the potential for additional cases if more samples are analyzed. The situation in Pune differs from other cities, such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and parts of Kerala, where cases have typically appeared in clusters. In contrast, Pune seems to have Zika-infected mosquitoes in various locations.
Historical Context
The first Zika case in Maharashtra was reported in July 2021, involving a 50-year-old woman from Purandar tehsil. Since then, the state has recorded 27 cases in 2021, followed by three in 2022 and 15 in 2023. This year’s tally of 28 includes 24 cases from Pune city, two from Pune rural areas, and one each from Sangamner and Kolhapur.
Understanding Zika Virus
Zika virus is transmitted through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, which also spread diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Most individuals infected with Zika remain asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. The virus can be transmitted during the symptomatic phase and even before symptoms appear. In pregnant women, Zika can lead to serious complications such as congenital microcephaly and other neurological disorders.
Conclusion
The rise in Zika virus cases in Maharashtra underscores the importance of ongoing public health vigilance and mosquito control measures to prevent further outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women.
