Zika Virus Found in Larvae Samples in Pune Amid Rising Cases

A team from the ICMR National Institute of Virology has detected the Zika virus in a pool of mosquitoes and larvae samples collected from the areas of Pashan, Erandwane, and Mundhwa.

“The virus has been detected in a mosquito pool and larvae samples collected from areas like Pashan, Erandwane and Mundhwa. As a preventive measure, we have asked authorities to contain the breeding of mosquitoes within a five-kilometre radius of the affected area,” a Hindustan Times report said citing Dr Radhakrishnan Pawar, joint director of health services.

Zika Virus Outbreak in Pune: New Cases and Detection in Additional Areas

The Zika virus outbreak in Pune, which started on June 20, has seen 49 reported cases so far, with three additional cases emerging in rural Pune areas. According to official data, nearly 203 mosquito samples and 1,094 larvae samples were tested at the National Institute of Virology. The Zika virus was found in samples from Erandwane and Pashan, and as of July 31, it was also detected in samples from Mundhwa.

On Wednesday July 31, two new cases of Zika virus were reported in Pune. One of them is a 27-year-old pregnant woman from Manikbaug, Sinhagad Road. She showed symptoms such as fever and rashes and her blood samples were tested positive for Zika virus. She is 21 weeks pregnant. 

The second case is of a 78-year-old man from Baner, who tested positive for the virus, the report said, quoting Dr Nina Borade, Health Chief of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He is currently admitted to a private hospital.

PMC Submits Additional Samples Amid Rising Cases

The PMC sent samples of 20 suspected patients, including samples collected from 17 pregnant women. Till date, PMC has sent 448 samples for testing at the National Institute of Virology, including 395 samples of expectant mothers. Following the rise in Zika virus cases, the state health officials and PMC health officials held a meeting on July 31.

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