New Delhi: In view of some cases of Zika virus in parts of Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday issued an advisory to all states, highlighting the need to maintain constant monitoring of the situation in the country.
States have been urged to focus on screening pregnant women for Zika virus and monitor the fetal development of pregnant mothers who test positive for the infection.
Apart from the advice of Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goyal, the ministry has also asked health facilities to identify a nodal officer to monitor and take action to keep the premises free from Aedes mosquito infestation.
Zika, like dengue and chikungunya, is a viral disease borne by the Aedes mosquito. Although non-fatal, Zika is associated with microcephaly (a condition where the head is much smaller than expected) in babies born to affected pregnant women, making it a cause for great concern.
In 2024, as of July 2, six cases have been reported in Pune and one case each in Kolhapur and Sangamner.
States have been urged to focus on screening pregnant women for Zika virus and monitor the fetal development of pregnant mothers who test positive for the infection.
Apart from the advice of Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goyal, the ministry has also asked health facilities to identify a nodal officer to monitor and take action to keep the premises free from Aedes mosquito infestation.
Zika, like dengue and chikungunya, is a viral disease borne by the Aedes mosquito. Although non-fatal, Zika is associated with microcephaly (a condition where the head is much smaller than expected) in babies born to affected pregnant women, making it a cause for great concern.
In 2024, as of July 2, six cases have been reported in Pune and one case each in Kolhapur and Sangamner.
