Zika is spreading in Pune; doctor, daughter contract the virus in Erandwane

Pune: The first two patients of zika virus have been reported in the city. Experts from the Health Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are taking prohibitive steps after visiting the affected area.

A 46-year-old doctor practising in a private hospital and his 15-year-old daughter have contracted the virus. They had mild symptoms, including fever. Their positive reports have been received from the National Institute of Virology (NIV). Their health is stated to be stable.

The doctor had a fever and rashes. He has been hospitalised at the Mai Mangeshkar Hospital. His blood samples were sent to the NIV on June 18. His report was received on June 20. Later, his daughter’s blood sample was sent to the NIV on June 21. Her report is also positive. She is at home and taking treatment at the OPD, said the Health Department.

Zika virus spreads through the bite of a mosquito, Aedes aegypti. It also carries dengue and chikungunya viruses. In some cases, zika symptoms are not visible. Mild symptoms such as fever, rashes, inflammation of the iris of the eye, body ache and joint pain are seen in a patient.

Experts on infectious diseases and the Health Department visited the affected area after two patients were found. The patient’s parents and wife do not have the symptoms. The department will survey the area for the next two weeks. They will search for any suspected case. Civic workers have fumigated the area.

Dr Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer, PMC, has appealed to citizens to visit the nearest PMC hospital, if they have fever and other such symptoms. He has appealed to citizens to not allow breeding of mosquitoes in their surroundings.