Maharashtra sees an increase in Zika virus cases

Most of the Zika virus cases have been found in Pune, bringing the total number to 18

The number of Zika virus cases is rising in parts of Maharashtra, with a total of 21 cases reported in Kolhapur and Pune. Most of the cases, 18 in total, have been detected in Pune, including recent infections in two pregnant women from Kharadi.

The count has increased from eight cases earlier this month. The virus, primarily spread by mosquitoes, can be controlled effectively with timely preventive measures. There have been no fatalities linked to the virus so far.

Health officials have implemented surveillance and sample collection within a 3-5 km radius of detected cases, focusing on blood samples from pregnant women. A survey of 1,37,686 people has been conducted in Kolhapur, Pune villages, and Pune Municipal Corporation areas.

Dr. Pradeep Awate, a former disease surveillance officer, explained that the virus spreads through bites from aedes mosquitoes, which then transmit the virus to others.

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