As of July 4, Pune city has reported seven Zika virus cases, the highest in the state, including two pregnant women.
Prithviraj BP, additional municipal commissioner of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), held a meeting with the health department on Saturday. Health officials have been directed to meet with all private hospitals, doctors, and practicing obstetricians and gynecologists to enhance testing and surveillance for the Zika virus.
Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, PMC health officer, announced that a meeting will be held on Monday with major private hospitals, general practitioners, the Indian Medical Association, and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI).
“All major hospitals will be instructed to have their obstetricians and gynecologists monitor pregnant women visiting their facilities. Samples of suspected cases should be sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune for testing,” she said.
On Thursday, 16 samples from suspected patients were sent to NIV for testing, including nine samples from pregnant women in the Mundhwa area and three from Kothrud. The results of 13 samples sent on Wednesday are still awaited.
“Fever patients should be closely monitored, and suspected cases tested for the virus. Zika-positive patients should be reported to us on priority,” said Dr. Baliwant.
PMC has received reports from a private laboratory of three patients testing positive for Zika virus. These include a 68-year-old male from Kothrud, a 65-year-old male from Saswad, and a 62-year-old woman from Prabhat Road.
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, PMC assistant health officer, stated that the focus is currently on pregnant women. “Zika-positive cases from private labs are considered suspected cases. Containment and surveillance activities have begun in these areas. The 65-year-old Saswad patient’s details have been sent to the district health office as it is outside PMC limits,” he said.
Officials noted that the Zika virus can be transmitted via mosquito bites, sexual contact, mother-to-fetus during pregnancy, blood transfusion, and organ donation. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other congenital malformations, collectively referred to as congenital Zika syndrome, and can also cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the fetus.
Dr. Nagnath Yempalay, district civil surgeon, reported that a high alert has been issued for the entire district. “Orders have been given to officials at Aundh District Hospital, 24 rural hospitals, 5 sub-district hospitals, and one women’s hospital to monitor fever patients and pregnant women. Samples from suspected cases will be sent to NIV. Ten beds have been reserved for Zika patients at the district hospital,” he said.
