Pune on Alert: Zika Cases Rise, 2 Pregnant Women Infected

The city of Pune in Maharashtra has been put on high alert after a sudden surge in Zika virus cases, with two pregnant women among the infected. Health officials have confirmed a total of six cases so far, with the two expectant mothers testing positive for the virus.

The first pregnant woman, a 28-year-old from the Erandwane area, was detected with the Zika virus on Friday. Her reports came back positive, but she is currently asymptomatic and in stable condition. The second pregnant patient, who is 12 weeks along, was confirmed positive on Monday. Both women are being closely monitored by health authorities.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can potentially lead to serious complications, such as microcephaly, a condition where the baby's head is significantly smaller due to abnormal brain development. In light of this risk, the Pune Municipal Corporation's health department has intensified surveillance efforts in the affected areas of Erandwane and Mundhwa.

As a precautionary measure, the civic body is conducting fogging and fumigation drives to curb the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vector responsible for transmitting the Zika virus. Additionally, the health department has sent out letters to private practitioners, urging them to report any suspected cases of vector-borne diseases to the authorities. With the ongoing Palkhi festival, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims to the city, epidemiologists have raised concerns about the potential for a wider outbreak. However, the civic authorities have assured that arrangements are in place to monitor the situation and prevent any further spread of the virus.