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The Centre on Wednesday issued advisory to States in view of Zika virus cases from Maharashtra. As per the latest advisory, the States have been asked to maintain a strict vigil through screening of pregnant women for Zika virus infection.
The States have also been urged to monitor the growth of foetus of expecting mothers who tested positive for Zika. The States have also been asked to advise health facilities/hospitals to identify a nodal officer to monitor and act to keep the premises Aedes mosquito free.
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The States have been asked to strengthen the entomological surveillance and intensifying the vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions and health facilities.
Though, it is reported to be associated with microcephaly, no report of any Zika associated microcephaly has been reported in the country since 2016, reported PIB.
Zika is an Aedes mosquito borne viral disease like Dengue and Chikungunya. It is a non-fatal disease. However, Zika is associated with microcephaly (reduced head size) of babies born to affected pregnant women which makes it a major concern.
India reported first Zika case from Gujarat State in 2016. Since then, many other States namely Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka have reported cases subsequently.
In 2024 (till 2nd July), Maharashtra has reported eight cases from Pune (6), Kolhapur (1) and Sangamner (1).
