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New Delhi, India – July 4, 2024:
In light of the recent reports of Zika virus cases emerging from Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry, led by Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), has issued an advisory urging all states to maintain heightened vigilance against the Zika virus. This proactive measure comes as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread and impact of the virus, especially among vulnerable populations.
Monitoring and Prevention Measures
Given the association of Zika virus with microcephaly and other neurological complications in fetuses of infected pregnant women, the advisory emphasizes the importance of close monitoring by clinicians. States have been instructed to:
- Alert Health Facilities: Ensure that health facilities in affected areas, or those receiving patients from these areas, screen pregnant women for Zika virus infection.
- Monitor Fetal Growth: Carefully monitor the growth of fetuses in expecting mothers who test positive for Zika, adhering to Central Government Guidelines.
- Nodal Officer Appointment: Designate a nodal officer in health facilities to oversee efforts to maintain Aedes mosquito-free premises.
Vector Control and Public Awareness
The advisory stresses the necessity of strengthening entomological surveillance and intensifying vector control activities in various settings, including residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and health facilities. Additionally, states are urged to promote public awareness through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) messages on social media and other platforms. The goal is to reduce community panic, as most Zika virus cases are asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms.
Vigilance and Preparedness
To ensure timely detection and control of potential outbreaks, state authorities have been advised to remain vigilant and prepared. This includes ensuring the availability of necessary logistics at all levels and promptly reporting any detected cases to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
Testing Facilities
Zika virus testing facilities are currently available at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi, and selected virus research and diagnostic laboratories under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Ongoing Monitoring and Advisory Updates
The DGHS previously issued an advisory on April 26, 2024, and the Director of NCVBDC issued additional advisories in February and April 2024, highlighting the need for states to stay vigilant against Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya, all transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The Union Health Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation and conduct reviews at higher levels to ensure effective management and response.
Background on Zika Virus in India
Zika is a mosquito-borne viral disease, similar to Dengue and Chikungunya, transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito. While non-fatal, Zika’s link to microcephaly in babies born to infected pregnant women raises significant concerns. India reported its first Zika case in Gujarat in 2016, with subsequent cases reported in states such as Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka.
As of July 2, 2024, Maharashtra has reported eight cases, with six in Pune, one in Kolhapur, and one in Sangamner.
The Union Health Ministry’s advisory underscores the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to manage and mitigate the impact of the Zika virus in India.
