State Government Ramps Up Efforts As Chikungunya Cases Surge, Orders Genetic Sequencing To Track Virus Mutation
By Tejas
Pune, September 25, 2024: Amidst the increasing number of Chikungunya patients in the state, including Pune, the state government has stepped up its preparations. To combat the increasing influence of the latest Chikungunya virus, the state public health department has decided to carry out genetic sequencing to observe the genetic changes in the Chikungunya virus.
For the last few days, the number of Chikungunya patients is increasing across the state, including Pune. Along with this, different symptoms are appearing in the patients, and serious complications are being observed. As per the reports, life-threatening symptoms have been reported in some patients with Chikungunya. Further, some hospitals have claimed that it shows symptoms like paralysis and black spots on the mouth and ears of the patients.
Earlier in the years 2006, 2010, and 2016, the Chikungunya infection was widespread in the state. At that time also, black spots appeared on the body in some patients. However, this year, the patients are showing different symptoms, and the test reports are also coming negative. Therefore, the government has decided to track the change in this virus by genetic sequencing.
The National Institute of Virology (NIV) and B.J. Medical College will undertake the genetic sequencing of the Chikungunya virus. For this exercise, blood samples will be taken from government and private hospitals to determine the infectious sequence of the virus.
In this context, the health department has directed all hospitals in the state to collect two blood samples from patients, sending one to the NIV and the other to B.J. Medical College. Additionally, blood samples should only be taken from patients exhibiting severe symptoms and must be submitted for testing within five days.
So far, 227 Chikungunya patients have been found in Pune.
The Chikungunya virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms can also include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rashes.