INVC NEWS
Mumbai : The recent surge in Zika virus cases across Maharashtra has raised concerns among health officials, with new cases now emerging in Mumbai. Authorities are taking swift action to curb the spread, especially after a confirmed case in the city’s Dadar area. Here’s a detailed look into the current situation and the steps being taken.
Maharashtra Witnesses Rising Zika Cases
Maharashtra is witnessing a sharp increase in Zika virus cases, with the total number of patients reaching 130 across the state. Most of the cases have been reported in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), while new cases continue to surface in other areas. Pune alone accounts for the majority of these patients, but the virus has now made its way to Mumbai, causing concern among health experts.
Zika Virus Hits Mumbai: First Case in Dadar
Mumbai’s health department has gone into alert mode following the detection of a Zika case in the Dadar area. The patient, an 86-year-old man, was found to be infected last week and is currently receiving treatment at Hinduja Hospital.
State-Wide Spread: Detailed Breakdown of Zika Cases
In addition to the case in Mumbai, the state health department has confirmed that 100 patients have been identified in the PMC region, while other districts are also reporting isolated cases:
- Pimpri-Chinchwad: 6 cases
- Ahmednagar (Sangamner): 11 cases
- Pune Rural: 9 cases
- Kolhapur: 1 case
- Sangli (Miraj): 1 case
- Solapur: 1 case
These numbers reflect the urgency with which authorities are responding to the outbreak.
Mumbai’s Health Department Responds with Immediate Action
In light of the first Zika case in Mumbai, health officials have ramped up efforts to track and trace potential virus carriers in the Dadar area. According to reports, over 5,40,000 individuals were screened, and 94,846 houses were surveyed for mosquito breeding sites. The search uncovered breeding grounds in 2,746 homes, all of which have been targeted for fumigation and other vector-control measures.
Precautions and Warnings for Pregnant Women
One of the most vulnerable groups during a Zika outbreak is pregnant women, as the virus poses a significant risk of birth defects in newborns. As a precaution, the health department has issued strong advisories for pregnant women, urging them to take extra care and avoid mosquito bites as much as possible. Mosquito repellents, protective clothing, and keeping windows closed are among the recommendations provided to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Government Efforts to Contain the Zika Outbreak
Local authorities in Maharashtra have intensified efforts to contain the outbreak by deploying teams to affected areas and launching widespread fumigation drives. The primary focus is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, as the virus spreads through Aedes mosquitoes, which are also responsible for diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Awareness campaigns are also in full swing to educate the public about the symptoms of Zika and the importance of early detection.
How to Protect Yourself from Zika Virus
In the wake of the growing outbreak, personal preventive measures are more important than ever. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of contracting the Zika virus:
- Use Insect Repellents: Apply EPA-approved mosquito repellents to exposed skin.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce skin exposure.
- Stay Indoors: Use mosquito nets and keep windows closed, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.
- Eliminate Breeding Sites: Ensure that stagnant water is cleared from areas around your home, such as flower pots, water containers, and gutters.
