The Centre has issued an advisory to all states in response to the recent Zika virus cases reported from Maharashtra. States are urged to maintain constant vigilance by screening pregnant women for the virus and monitoring the growth of fetuses in expecting mothers who test positive for Zika.
The advisory, released on Wednesday, emphasizes the importance of screening pregnant women for Zika virus infection due to the association of Zika with microcephaly and neurological issues in fetuses. The Ministry of Health and Welfare advises states to instruct health facilities, especially those in affected areas, to closely monitor pregnant women who have tested positive for Zika.
To strengthen the response to the Zika virus, the ministry also highlights the need for intensified entomological surveillance and enhanced vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and health facilities.
The advisory encourages states to promote awareness through precautionary information, education, and communication (IEC) messages on social media and other platforms. This aims to reduce panic within the community by clarifying that Zika is like any other viral infection, with most cases being asymptomatic and mild. Despite the association with microcephaly, no Zika-associated microcephaly cases have been reported in India since 2016.
For the timely detection and control of any potential outbreak, state authorities are advised to remain vigilant, prepared, and ensure the availability of appropriate logistics at all levels. States must immediately report any detected Zika cases to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
Zika is an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease similar to Dengue and Chikungunya. Although it is a non-fatal disease, its association with microcephaly in newborns of infected pregnant women makes it a significant concern.
India’s first Zika case was reported in Gujarat in 2016. Since then, cases have been reported in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka.
As of July 2, 2024, Maharashtra has reported eight Zika cases, with six from Pune, and one each from Kolhapur and Sangamner.
