After a decade, the city witnessed a sharp spike in chikungunya virus cases, especially with rare embodiments.
The state public health department has initiated a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to address the recent surge in chikungunya cases, particularly those showing rare and severe manifestations, in the city.
After a decade, the city has reported a sharp rise in chikungunya virus (CHIKV) cases, many presenting dengue-like symptoms and complications that are unusual for the virus.
Unusual Complications Observed
Health officials and doctors have noted a worrying trend of patients, both children and the elderly, experiencing severe complications such as encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, gastroenteritis, kidney injury, sepsis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. This has raised concerns about a potential mutation or new strain of the chikungunya virus in circulation.
Formation of the Rapid Response Team (RRT)
The RRT was established on September 18, led by Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, Joint Director of Health Services. The team comprises experts from various institutions, including scientists from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), prominent doctors from BJ Medical College, and officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation.
The team will investigate the causes behind the surge in cases and the rare complications seen in patients. According to Dr. Pawar, it is crucial to understand whether the virus has mutated or if any new strain is responsible for the spike.
Genome Sequencing to Identify Virus Mutations
To address these concerns, the RRT plans to conduct whole genome sequencing of the virus samples. Dr. Premchand Kamble, Assistant Director of Health Services, announced that a guideline will soon be issued to private labs and hospitals, requesting chikungunya patient samples for analysis.
The samples will include those from asymptomatic patients, those with classical symptoms, and those with severe complications. Sequencing these samples will help determine if a mutation or new strain is responsible for the rare manifestations.
Rising Chikungunya Cases in Pune
As of September, Pune city has reported 225 cases of chikungunya, with 139 cases emerging this month alone. The severity of complications in these cases has raised concerns, prompting swift action from health officials to investigate and mitigate the situation.