The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has directed all private hospitals in the city to send samples of severe chikungunya cases to BJ Medical College and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for further testing and genome sequencing. This step was announced during a meeting convened by the PMC on Friday to discuss the recent surge in chikungunya cases across the city. The civic body urged hospitals to avoid spreading misinformation regarding the symptoms of the mosquito-borne disease.
A senior PMC official noted that this year, the number of serious chikungunya cases has increased in proportion to the overall rise in patient numbers. However, the official clarified that the number of hospitalizations does not necessarily reflect the spread of the disease throughout the community. Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer overseeing infectious disease reporting for PMC, emphasised that only patients with severe cases should have their samples sent for genome sequencing to understand any potential mutations in the virus.
The number of serious patients who require hospitalisation does not represent the spread within the entire community,Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer, PMC
Since NIV is a recognized laboratory for genome sequencing, it is crucial that severe cases are referred there. BJ Medical College is also equipped with genome sequencing capabilities, providing another resource for in-depth analysis of the virus. Dr. Dighe noted that this testing is essential to detect any viral mutations, but that only critical cases should be sent to these laboratories for further investigation.
PMC’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Neena Borade, added that hospitals had been emailed the Union Government’s updated guidelines on chikungunya treatment, released in 2023. The PMC has also shared the latest state guidelines for the reporting of chikungunya cases with hospitals across Pune. Dr. Borade reminded healthcare professionals that most vector-borne diseases, including chikungunya, tend to have mild symptoms and that patients typically recover on their own within a few days. However, she highlighted that certain groups, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions, may be at higher risk of complications. She stressed that fatalities from such diseases are preventable if the right measures are in place.
Dr. Borade explained that outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like chikungunya often occur every few years due to a decrease in herd immunity. Insect-borne diseases follow a cyclical pattern, making the development and implementation of preventive measures vital to control their spread.
We told the doctors and hospital administrators that insect-borne diseases are generally mild in symptoms and patients heal by themselves within a few daysDr. Neena Borade, Chief Health Officer, PMC
During the meeting, state entomologist Dr. Mahendra Jagtap provided guidance to the attending doctors on how to correctly collect samples and conduct blood tests for chikungunya patients. Proper sample collection is essential for ensuring accurate test results, which is key for the treatment and prevention of further outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the PMC announced that a district-level committee focused on infectious disease prevention and control has been formed. Chaired by Pune Collector Suhas Diwase, the committee will focus on studying various infectious diseases in both the state and the district. One of the committee's primary responsibilities will be ensuring the effective implementation of preventive and control measures for diseases like chikungunya. This coordinated approach will help the city and state better manage the rising threat of vector-borne diseases, especially as the chikungunya caseload continues to rise.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)