Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is ramping up its efforts to combat a significant dengue outbreak, following reports of 1,019 suspected cases between January and the end of July this year. The recent fatalities in Baramati and Phaltan have underscored the urgency of eliminating mosquito-breeding sites, according to medical official .
Official highlighted the critical need for aggressive measures to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds. The outbreak has seen two tragic deaths—a 19-year-old from Phaltan and a 49-year-old woman from Baramati, both of whom succumbed to dengue fever and associated complications. The physician emphasised that although the recent heavy rains have temporarily washed away some breeding sites, a resurgence in cases is anticipated as the monsoon season progresses into August and September. The PMC has reported that a substantial number of suspected dengue cases—over half of the total reported—emerged in June and July alone. Among the cases, 29 have tested positive for dengue viral fever, while 22 have been confirmed as chikungunya. Notably, there have been no reported deaths within Pune city itself according to civic health department officials.
In response to the rising numbers, the PMC has escalated its fogging operations and increased public awareness campaigns to encourage personal protective measures. Additionally, the health authorities have taken punitive actions, issuing 1,272 notices to various establishments, including construction sites and tyre shops, where mosquito breeding sites were identified. These actions have resulted in the collection of Rs 4.6 lakh in administrative fees. The increased focus on community-level awareness and stricter enforcement measures are aimed at curbing the spread of dengue and preventing further health crises. As the monsoon season continues, the PMC’s enhanced strategy reflects a concerted effort to manage and mitigate the impact of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.
Pune city has reported a total 47 zika virus infection cases till date. Of these 15 are pregnant women. “All their scans are normal,” official said. The civic health department has sent as many as 500 serum samples of pregnant women to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology for examination. From January till June end this year, the civic health department has reported a total of 116 cases of H1N1 virus and 505 cases of Covid-19. A total of five deaths due to Covid-19 have been reported.
According to medical official , infectious diseases expert at Noble hospital, there has been an uptick in cases of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. “We are seeing an increase in cases of H1N1 virus, H3N2 virus and others apart from the vector borne diseases like dengue, zika and chikungunya. There are patients with cold, cough and fever with breathlessness and who require oxygen support. Some elderly persons with co-morbid conditions are on ventilator support,” he cautioned.
Senior medical official , KEM hospital and Ankura hospital, said this monsoon there were plenty of viruses circulating and hence if clinically required investigative tests are recommended. “Mild to moderate like infections are self limiting. However, Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) swabs are sent for virological tests from among children who are hospitalized . However, pointed out that sporadic cases of H1N1 virus (swine flu) and Covid-19 have been reported. “Unless and until the National Institute of Virology gives us confirmatory reports we cannot label all influenza cases as H1N1. However we are on an alert,” official pointed out.
