Union Health Ministry Issues Advisory Amid Zika Virus Cases in Maharashtra

Key Measures Advised

Screening and Monitoring: States are advised to screen pregnant women for Zika virus infection and monitor the growth of the fetus in expecting mothers who test positive. Clinicians should be alert for Zika-associated complications, including microcephaly and neurological issues in fetuses.
Nodal Officers: Health facilities and hospitals must identify a nodal officer responsible for ensuring the premises are kept free of Aedes mosquitoes, the vector for Zika virus.
Entomological Surveillance: Strengthening entomological surveillance and intensifying vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and health facilities is crucial.
Public Awareness: States should promote precautionary IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) messages through social media and other platforms to reduce public panic. The majority of Zika cases are asymptomatic or mild, and no cases of Zika-associated microcephaly have been reported in India since 2016.

Additional Guidelines

Vigilance and Preparedness: State authorities must be vigilant and prepared, ensuring the availability of appropriate logistics at all levels for timely detection and control of any potential outbreak. Any detected case should be immediately reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
Testing Facilities: Zika testing facilities are 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). High-level reviews are ongoing to monitor the situation closely.

Previously, the DGHS issued an advisory on April 26, 2024, and the Director of NCVBDC issued two advisories in February and April 2024, warning states about Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya, all transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.

Background

Zika is an Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease similar to Dengue and Chikungunya. While non-fatal, Zika is associated with microcephaly (reduced head size) in babies born to affected pregnant women, making it a significant concern. India reported its first Zika case in Gujarat in 2016, with subsequent cases in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka. In 2024, Maharashtra reported eight cases: six from Pune, one from Kolhapur, and one from Sangamner.

The Union Health Ministry remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.