Zika Cases In Maharashtra: Union Health Ministry Issues Advisory, Urges Vigilance

After Zika virus cases were reported in parts of Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry urged all states on Wednesday to prioritise the screening of pregnant women for the virus and monitor the foetal development of expecting mothers who have tested positive for the infection.

The ministry has also instructed health facilities to appoint a nodal officer to oversee and ensure that the premises remain free from Aedes mosquito infestation.

Zika is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, similar to dengue and chikungunya. Although it is not fatal, Zika is linked to microcephaly, a condition characterised by a smaller than normal head size in infants born to infected pregnant women, which is a significant cause for concern.

Due to the association of Zika with microcephaly and neurological consequences in foetuses of infected pregnant women, states have been advised to inform clinicians to closely monitor these cases, according to the advisory.

States are urged to instruct the health facilities in the affected areas or those catering to cases from affected areas to screen pregnant women for Zika, monitor the growth of the fetus of expecting mothers who have tested positive for the infection and act as per central government guidelines.

The advisory has emphasised on the importance of strengthening entomological surveillance and intensifying vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions and health facilities.

The states have been urged to promote awareness through precautionary IEC messages in social media and other platforms to reduce panic among the community as Zika, like any other viral infection, is asymptomatic and mild.

The ministry said though Zika is reported to be associated with microcephaly, no such instance has been reported in the country since 2016.

For timely detection and control of any impending upsurge or outbreak of the infection, state authorities have been advised to be vigilant and ensure the availability of appropriate logistics at all levels.

States were also urged to immediately report any detected case to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control. Till July 2 this year, Pune recorded six cases and one each were found in Kolhapur and Sangamner.

(With inputs from PTI.)