Pune Grapples with Zika Virus Outbreak: 66 Confirmed Cases and Four Deaths

Pune city in Maharashtra reports 66 confirmed Zika Virus cases, with four deaths linked to pre-existing conditions. Among the infected are 26 pregnant women. The Pune Municipal Corporation assures no direct virus-linked deaths, implementing control measures including surveillance and fumigation to curb the outbreak.

Pune city has reported 66 confirmed cases of the Zika Virus, according to civic officials on Tuesday.

Among the infected, four elderly patients, aged between 68 to 78, have died. Officials clarified that their deaths were due to pre-existing health conditions, rather than the Zika infection.

In addition to the deaths, 26 pregnant women have tested positive for the virus and are under close observation. Despite the situation, most of them remain in good health. The first Zika case in Pune this year involved a 46-year-old doctor who tested positive on June 20, followed by his 15-year-old daughter.

The city's health department emphasized that no fatalities have been directly linked to the Zika virus. However, the reports of the four deceased patients will be sent for review by the Maharashtra government's death audit committee. The Zika virus, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a particular risk during pregnancy, potentially causing microcephaly in newborns.

In response to the outbreak, the Pune Municipal Corporation is implementing measures such as increased surveillance and fumigation to curb mosquito breeding and control the spread of the virus.

(With inputs from agencies.)