Pune: Zika Virus Cases Surge to 103 in Pune, Most Cases Among Pregnant Women; Five Deaths Linked to Co-Morbidities

Pune:

The number of Zika virus cases in Pune continues to rise at an alarming rate, with the total count now reaching 103. Notably, a significant proportion of those affected are pregnant women, raising concerns among health officials. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has confirmed that five Zika patients have succumbed to complications, although the deaths have been attributed to underlying co-morbidities rather than the virus itself.

In a recent update, three new Zika cases were detected in the Erandwane Regional Office area. The patients include a 19-year-old woman, a 69-year-old man, and a 59-year-old man, all of whom initially presented with fever symptoms. Their blood samples were sent for testing at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), and after receiving positive results, the PMC officially registered them as Zika patients.

The areas most affected by the virus are within the Dahanukar Colony Regional Office jurisdiction, which has reported 20 cases, followed by Erandwane with 19 cases. Other affected regions include Kharadi (13 cases), Ghole Road and Pashan (9 each), Sukhsagar Nagar and Mundhwa (7 each), Wanwadi (5), Kalas (4), Koregaon Park and Ambegaon Budruk (3 each), Lohagaon (2), and Vishrambaug Wada and Dhankawadi (1 each).

Out of the 103 confirmed Zika cases, 45 are pregnant women, according to Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer at PMC. Pregnant women are being closely monitored, as Zika is known to pose serious risks to maternal and fetal health.

Although five Zika-related deaths have been reported, health officials have clarified that all of the deceased patients suffered from co-morbid conditions, which were the primary cause of death. The deceased include a 72-year-old man from Kharadi, a 95-year-old woman from Pashan, a 78-year-old man from Baner, a 68-year-old man from Kothrud, and a 76-year-old man from Karve Nagar—all senior citizens. Their medical reports were submitted to the state health department for review, and the Death Investigation Committee has confirmed that the fatalities were due to existing health issues rather than the direct effects of the Zika virus.

So far, 103 cases of Zika virus have been reported, with 45 pregnant women affected and five patients having died due to co-morbidities. The PMC is actively monitoring the situation and providing medical care to those affected.