Despite 100 reported cases between July and September this year, with 43 of those cases being pregnant women, 10 of these women have delivered healthy babies with no signs of birth defects. This is a significant relief, especially considering the Zika virus's potential to cause serious health problems, including miscarriages, stillbirths, or babies born with severe birth defects.
Key Takeaways:
10 healthy babies born to Zika-infected mothers in Pune
33 remaining pregnant women with Zika show normal growth
PMC's efforts to contain the outbreak are crucial
Ongoing surveillance and precautions are necessary to ensure public health and safety
Anomaly scans of the remaining 33 women also show normal growth. The PMC will continue to track these 33 women until their delivery. Out of the 43 women who were confirmed with Zika infection, 10 have delivered healthy babies. The mothers are also healthy. The infection has not hampered the children's growth
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer with the PMC’s Health Department
Zika Virus Risk Review:
The Zika virus can pass to the fetus from an infected mother, and infection during pregnancy can trigger serious health problems. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 5-15% of infants born to infected women have shown Zika-related complications.
PMC's Efforts to Diminish the Outbreak:
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been working tirelessly to contain the outbreak. Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer with the PMC's health department, attributes the rise in reported Zika cases to increased testing and field surveillance by the PMC.
The outbreak has resulted in a substantial loss of productivity, particularly in sectors employing pregnant women or individuals with Zika-related complications.
Government Response:
Maharashtra government's initiatives to control Zika spread
Collaboration with national health agencies for technical support
Allocation of additional funds for Zika prevention and treatment
The PMC will continue to track these 33 women until their delivery. Additionally, the civic authorities have initiated surveillance and containment measures in affected areas to prevent further spread. Door-to-door surveys of expecting mothers and individuals with fever symptoms have also begun.
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)
