Pune, Maharashtra, has reported eight new cases of Zika virus, raising the total number of infections in the district to 81. Of these new cases, six involve pregnant women, as noted in a report by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

The breakdown of the cases is as follows: Pune city has documented 73 cases, Rural Pune has recorded six, and two cases have been identified within the Pimpri Chinchwad area.

Among the eight newly reported patients, six are pregnant women. Fortunately, the anomaly scan results for at least five of these women were normal.

In Rural Pune, a 31-year-old resident from Purandar, who had traveled to Hyderabad, tested positive. He presented with symptoms including fever and red rashes but is currently in stable condition. Additionally, a 36-year-old man in Pune city has also tested positive for the virus.

Protect Yourself from Zika Virus

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause serious health problems, including birth defects and neurological disorders. Here are some ways to prevent Zika virus:

1. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).

2. Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.

3. Eliminate Standing Water: Remove standing water around your home, including flowerpots, bird baths, and clogged drains, to prevent mosquito breeding.

4. Use Mosquito Nets: Use mosquito nets over strollers, cribs, and beds to prevent mosquito bites.

5. Stay Indoors: Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours, especially if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

6. Check for Mosquito Breeding Sites: Regularly check your home and community for mosquito breeding sites and report them to local authorities.

7. Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms or abstain from sex if you or your partner have traveled to an area with Zika virus transmission.

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