Zika Virus Advisory, Alert regarding Zika virus in Maharashtra

 Zika virus cases are increasing in Maharashtra. In view of this, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to the states on Wednesday. States have been advised to focus on testing for Zika virus in pregnant women. Let us tell you that the first case of Zika in India was reported from Gujarat in 2016.

Zika Virus

In view of the increasing cases of Zika virus in Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday issued an advisory to the states. It also urged the states to maintain continuous surveillance by testing pregnant women for the virus.

States have also been advised to maintain continued surveillance by screening for infection in pregnant women and monitoring foetal development of pregnant women who test positive for Zika.

What is in the advisory of the Ministry of Health and Welfare?

• States have been advised to alert physicians for close monitoring of Zika-affected pregnant women.
• States have been urged to instruct health facilities in affected areas or those handling cases coming from affected areas to do so.
• Screen pregnant women for Zika virus infection.
• Monitor foetal growth of pregnant mothers who test positive for Zika.
• The advisory also urges states to promote awareness through precautionary IEC messages on social media and other platforms to reduce fear among the community.

What is Zika virus?

Zika is an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease like dengue and chikungunya. However, babies born to pregnant women affected by Zika have microcephaly (reduced head size), which has become a major concern.

The first Zika case in India was reported from Gujarat in 2016. Since then, cases have been reported in several other states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Karnataka.