In view of the cases of Zika virus reported recently from various parts of Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday issued an advisory to all states, urging them to maintain constant vigil over the ongoing situation in the country.
This comes after six cases of Zika virus infection were reported in Pune, on Monday. These patients include two pregnant women as well. As of July 2, eight cases have been recorded in Maharashtra, out of which Pune recorded six cases, and one each in Kolhapur and Sangamner.
States have been urged to maintain continuous surveillance by testing pregnant women for Zika virus infection and monitoring the growth of foetus of pregnant mothers who tested positive for Zika. This is because Zika is primarily associated with microcephaly and neurological consequences in the foetus of the affected pregnant woman.
Also, states have been advised to alert clinicians for close monitoring.
States have been also instructed to advise health facilities or hospitals to identify a nodal officer to monitor and act to keep the premises Aedes mosquito free, the advisory issued by Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare noted.
"States have been emphasised on the importance of strengthening the entomological surveillance and intensifying the vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions and health facilities," the statement read.
Health Ministry Urges States To Remain Vigilant
The health ministry has also urged to promote awareness on social media about Zika virus through precautionary messages and other platforms to reduce panic among people. "Zika is like any other viral infection with most cases being asymptomatic and mild," the advisory said.
In order to detect and control the outbreak, the health ministry has advised the state authorities to stay vigilant, prepared and ensure that the appropriate logistics are available.
States were also directed to report any case to Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), immediately after its detection.
Testing facilities for Zika are available at National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi. Besides, a few research and diagnostic laboratories of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also have testing facilities.
What is Zika?
Zika is an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease like dengue and chikungunya. It is a non-fatal disease.
Zika is linked to microcephaly (reduced head size) in babies who are born to pregnant women affected by Zika, which makes it a major concern.
In India, the first case of Zika was reported in Gujarat in 2016.
Since then, cases have been reported in other states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi.
Earlier this year, the health ministry issued advisory in February and April to forewarn the states on Zika, Dengue, and Chikangunya, all of which are transmitted by the same mosquito.