The Zika virus, which is mainly spread by Aedes mosquitoes, has been a serious health risk since it can infect pregnant women and result in serious birth problems in their unborn children. Many Zika virus-infected individuals may not exhibit any symptoms. New Delhi: Pune is currently struggling with a Zika virus scare wherein a 46-year-old doctor and his teenage daughter have tested positive for the infection.
Although at present authorities say that their condition is stable, it has stirred a storm in the city. The patients who tested positive for the infection had recently developed symptoms such as rashes and fever and following the same, he was admitted to a hospital. On June 21, it was confirmed to be a case of Zika virus.
The city’s health authorities confirmed that after the patient tested positive, blood samples of five other family members were taken and sent for analysis and his 15-year-old daughter also tested positive for the same. After this case, PMC’s health department started conducting surveillance for the infection. While no confirmed cases were found in the area, precautionary measures are being taken – such as fumigation and fogging to stop the breeding of mosquitoes in the area.
Along with this, spreading general public awareness about the infection has been prioritised. It is also advised to monitor the health of pregnant women in the city, particularly the area where the patient tested positive. Although the virus does not lead to serious complica.