Officials said as Zika is associated with microcephaly and neurological consequences in the foetus of the affected pregnant lady, states have been advised to alert the clinicians for close monitoring.Though it is reported to be associated with microcephaly, no report of Zika-associated microcephaly has been reported in the country since 2016, officials added.The Centre also instructed the states to advise health facilities/hospitals to identify a nodal officer to monitor and act to keep the premises Aedes mosquito-free.“States have been emphasised on the importance of strengthening the entomological surveillance and intensifying the vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and health facilities,” according to a statement issued by the ministry.The ministry said the states have also been urged to promote awareness through precautionary information, education, and communication (IEC) messages on social media and other platforms to reduce panic in the community. Zika is like any other viral infection, with most cases being asymptomatic and mild.State authorities have been advised to be vigilant and prepared and ensure the availability of appropriate logistics at all levels to detect and control any impending upsurge/outbreak in a timely manner.India reported the first Zika case from Gujarat in 2016. Since then, many other states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka, have reported cases subsequently.States were also urged to immediately report any detected cases to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).Zika testing facilities are available at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune; the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi; and a few selected virus research and diagnostic laboratories of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the ministry added.The officials said DGHS had issued an advisory earlier on April 26, and the Director of the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), had issued two advisories in February and April 2024 to forewarn states about Zika, dengue, and chikungunya transmitted by the same vector mosquito.
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