66 Additional Zika Cases Confirmed in Pune

The news agency PTI today reported at least 66 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune, India, over the last two months. The mosquito-transmitted Zika virus has been reported in India's 16 different states/union territories since 2016.

On August 6, 2024, a senior health official told PTI those infected in Pune, a city of about 7 million, also included 26 pregnant women.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is scientific consensus that Zika infections can cause microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other central nervous system malformations. Additionally, the WHO advises pregnant women to avoid visiting Zika outbreak areas.

As of August 2024, the Region of the Americas has reported over 24,684 ZIka cases in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico in 2024. 

While several Zika vaccine candidates are conducting human clinical trials, no vaccine has been approved.