Maharashtra Leads in Zika Virus Cases in 2024

In 2024, India reported a total of 151 Zika virus cases, with 140 of them emerging from Maharashtra, as highlighted in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest outbreak assessment. While some individuals infected with Zika may develop neurological issues like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which was particularly noted in Pune, the WHO clarified that no direct link was found between Zika and the GBS surge.

State health officials also confirmed that the rise in GBS cases was not related to Zika. “There are several viruses, including Campylobacter jejuni, that can lead to GBS after infection,” explained a public health official. The bacteria Campylobacter jejuni is commonly found in animals’ intestines and is transmitted through undercooked food or contaminated water.

GBS, a rare neurological disorder, results when the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing symptoms like muscle weakness, tingling, and in severe cases, paralysis. Pune was the epicenter of both outbreaks, with 127 suspected GBS cases, two of which were fatal, and 20 individuals requiring ventilator support.

Out of the 140 Zika cases in Maharashtra, the majority came from Pune district (125), while other cases were reported in Ahmednagar (11) and smaller numbers in Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur, and the Mumbai suburban area. Despite the rise in cases this year, Zika virus is typically transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can also spread from mother to child during pregnancy, sexual contact, or through blood transfusion.

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Maharashtra Leads in Zika Virus Cases in 2024

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