The Centre has issued an advisory to all states following eight Zika virus cases reported in Maharashtra. As of July 2, 2024, of the total cases, six are from Pune and one each from Kolhapur and Sangamner.
In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has advised health facilities in affected areas to screen pregnant women and monitor foetal growth in those who test positive. The advisory stresses the importance of monitoring pregnant women and their foetuses for the virus.
The government asked to focus on homes, businesses, schools, construction sites, institutions, and healthcare facilities. States are also asked to provide information through social media and other platforms.
States are also instructed to report cases immediately to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Zika virus is linked to neurological issues and microcephaly in foetuses. The advisory notes that most Zika cases are mild and asymptomatic.
The first Zika case in India was reported in Gujarat in 2016. Since then, other states have reported cases. Zika, like dengue and chikungunya, is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and is a non-lethal illness. However, it can cause microcephaly in infants born to infected pregnant women.
Zika testing services are available at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi, and specific laboratories of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
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