Maharashtra Zika virus cases: Advisory issued to all states

Hyderabad: In response to recent Zika virus cases reported from Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry, led by Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), has issued an advisory to all states to maintain vigilance and implement specific health measures.

Advisory Highlights

Monitoring and Screening:

States are urged to screen pregnant women for Zika virus infection, especially in affected areas, and to monitor the growth of the fetus in expecting mothers who test positive. Health facilities in these regions are instructed to follow Central Government guidelines closely.

Identification of Nodal Officers:

Health facilities and hospitals are advised to designate a nodal officer responsible for monitoring and ensuring the premises remain free from Aedes mosquitoes, the vector for Zika virus.

Strengthening Surveillance and Vector Control:

States are directed to enhance entomological surveillance and intensify vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and health facilities.

Public Awareness

States are also encouraged to promote precautionary information through social media and other platforms to reduce panic, highlighting that most Zika cases are asymptomatic or mild. Despite its association with microcephaly in newborns, no cases of Zika-associated microcephaly have been reported in India since 2016.

Preparedness and Reporting

State authorities are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential outbreaks, ensuring the availability of appropriate logistics at all levels. Immediate reporting of detected cases to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) is mandatory.

Testing Facilities

Zika virus testing is available at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi, and selected Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) laboratories.

Previous Advisories

The DGHS had previously issued an advisory on April 26, 2024, and the Director of NCVBDC issued advisories in February and April 2024, highlighting the risks of Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya, all transmitted by the same mosquito vector.

Background on Zika Virus

Zika is an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease, similar to Dengue and Chikungunya. Though generally non-fatal, Zika is a concern due to its association with microcephaly in newborns. India first reported a Zika case in Gujarat in 2016, with subsequent cases in states including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka. In 2024, Maharashtra reported eight cases: six in Pune, one in Kolhapur, and one in Sangamner.

The Union Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely.