Zika virus is a vector-borne flavivirus spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
The condition is moderate and self-limiting, with symptoms including fever, rash, and joint discomfort.
Dr. Naveen Kumar, the head of the National Institute of Virology, has urged the public not to worry about Zika infections in Pune. “We have received 106 samples from across the country, and so far, six have tested positive for Zika virus infection in Pune, while one each has been identified from Ahmednagar and Kolhapur,” said Professor Kumar.
“We have the ability to evaluate the viral genome and Zika virus antibodies. Thus far, two samples have been sequenced. Dr. Gajanan Sapkal, scientist-in-charge of the diagnostic virology group at NIV, stated that the Zika virus in Pune now belongs to the Asian lineage.
Zika virus is a vector-borne flavivirus spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
The condition is moderate and self-limiting, with symptoms including fever, rash, and joint discomfort.
However, it drew global attention due to reports of a link with microcephaly and severe brain involvement, according to Dr. Sapkal in research published in the Journal of Infection.
While an Indian Council of Medical Research study published in 2022 indicated the spread of the Zika virus to several Indian states and called for an urgent need to strengthen surveillance, experts in the Journal of Vector-borne Diseases (Jan.–March 2024) observed that Zika infection was discovered among sporadic cases and the Asian lineage was circulating. According to the scientists, the Zika virus infections lacked two crucial alterations associated with microcephaly.
When contacted, Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra genome sequencing coordinator, told The Indian Express that they would soon begin testing for Zika virus infection at B.J. Government Medical College. “We have also written to the state seeking permission to take up genome sequencing tests,” he mentioned.
The PMC has increased monitoring and, on July 2, surveyed a population of 14,314 in 6087 dwellings in Kothrud.
Mosquito breeding places were identified in 200 residences. “We have stepped up indoor and outdoor fogging activities in the areas where Zika cases have been identified,” the doctor stated. He has urged folks to empty unprotected water containers and to apply insect repellent lotions wisely.
A 45-year-old lady from Kothrud was diagnosed with the Zika virus.
The Pune Municipal Corporation has reported another instance of Zika virus infection in a 45-year-old lady from the Dahanukar area of Kothrud. The woman’s symptoms included fever, joint ache, and a rash. “Her report has tested positive for Zika virus infection,” Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Chief Medical Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation, announced. He explained that this was the seventh occurrence of a Zika virus infection. Of the seven instances, one (a lady from Mundhwa) tested positive at a private hospital. However, by the time the sample was delivered to NIV, it had tested negative for Zika virus infection.
