As of July 4, Pune city has reported seven Zika virus cases, the highest in the state, including two pregnant women. In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to collaborate with private medical facilities to address the Zika virus threat, given the large number of citizens and expectant mothers seeking treatment at these facilities.
Prithviraj BP, additional municipal commissioner of PMC, held a meeting with the health department on Saturday. Health officials have been directed to meet with private hospitals, doctors, obstetricians, and gynecologists to enhance testing and surveillance for the Zika virus.
Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, health officer of PMC, stated that a meeting will be held on Monday with major private hospitals, general practitioners, the Indian Medical Association, and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI). “All major hospitals will be asked to direct their obstetricians and gynecologists to monitor pregnant women visiting their hospitals. Samples of suspected pregnant women should be sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune for Zika virus testing,” she said.
Officials reported that on Thursday, 16 samples from suspected patients were sent to NIV for virus testing, including nine samples from pregnant women in the Mundhwa area and three from the Kothrud area. The results of 13 samples sent to NIV on Wednesday are still pending.
“The fever patients should be closely monitored, and suspected cases should be tested for the virus. Additionally, they will be requested to promptly report Zika-positive patients to us,” said Dr. Baliwant.
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