Pune Reports 66 Zika Virus Infection Cases in Two Months

Pune: Over the last two months, as many as 66 cases of Zika virus infection were reported in Pune city, said civic officials said on Tuesday. Of these, four patients died, but a senior health official clarified that their deaths were not caused by the Zika virus itself but by pre-existing conditions such as cardiac issues, liver ailments, and old age.

The first Zika case in Pune this year was identified on June 20 when a 46-year-old doctor in the Erandwane area tested positive. His 15-year-old daughter also contracted the virus. Among the infected, 26 were pregnant women, most of whom are reported to be in good health.

"The 66 cases include four deaths, but these deaths were not due to Zika but comorbidities the patients were suffering from....such as cardiac issues, liver ailments, old age. Their reports came positive for the virus from the NIV (National Institute of Virology) after death," the health department official said.

These four patients were aged between 68 and 78.

The Pune Municipal Corporation's health department would, nonetheless, send their reports to the death audit committee of the Maharashtra government, the official added. "So far, no death due to Zika has been reported in the country," he said.

Zika virus in pregnant women may cause microcephaly (a condition in which the head is significantly smaller due to abnormal brain development) in the foetus. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit dengue and chikungunya infections.

"The PMC health department is conducting surveillance. As a precautionary measure, it is taking measures such as fumigation to curb the breeding of mosquitoes," the statement added.

Zika virus symptoms 

• Fever: Mild to moderate, often not very high.
• Rash: Usually maculopapular, which means it consists of both flat and raised red spots.
• Joint and Muscle Pain: Generalized body aches and joint pain.
• Headache: Mild to moderate intensity.
• Conjunctivitis: Redness and irritation in the eyes.
• Fatigue: General feeling of tiredness and weakness.

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last from a few days to a week. Many people infected with Zika virus may not exhibit any symptoms at all.