PMO, health ministry on Zika watch as 22 test positive in Rajasthan

NEW DELHI: With the number of Zika cases detected in Jaipur increasing, the Union health ministry has initiated extensive surveillance and vector control measures to combat the situation. The prime minister’s office has sought a comprehensive report from the health ministry after 22 people tested positive for the virus in Rajasthan’s capital, an official said.
Bihar, too, has issued advisories to all its district health authorities to actively monitor cases with any symptoms similar to Zika after a man from Siwan, studying in Jaipur, tested positive for the virus.He was in Siwan between August 28 and September 12 to appear for an exam. His family members have been put under surveillance.

Unlike last year, when the virus was detected in infected patients, this time scientists have been able to detect it in mosquitoes in the affected area also. This could mean the risk of it spreading is higher.
The Centre has activated a control room at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to undertake regular monitoring of the situation. Apart from suspected cases, all pregnant women are being monitored through National Health Mission.
While a seven-member team has been deputed in Jaipur since the first case was detected, a new high-level joining monitoring group of technical experts has been constituted under director general health services (DGHS) to monitor preparedness and response measures.
“The situation is being reviewed at the level of Union minister of health and monitored on a daily basis by the secretary, health,” health ministry said.
Officials said all suspect cases in the defined area and mosquito samples from this area are being tested. “Additional testing kits are provided to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories. The state government has been supplied with information, education and communication (IEC) material prepared to create awareness about Zika virus disease and its prevention strategies,” the ministry said.
Zika virus disease is an emerging disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organisation’s classification scheme on the prevalence of Zika, India is in category 2 – indicating ongoing transmission of the virus. Currently, Zika is being reported by 86 countries worldwide. Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.
In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January/February 2017 and second outbreak in July, 2017 from Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.
“The disease continues to be on disease surveillance radars of Union health ministry although it is no longer a public health emergency of international concern vide WHO notification since 18th November, 2016,” the ministry said.
Rajasthan health authorities had issued an alert after an elderly woman tested positive for Zika virus infection in Jaipur on September 25. Since then, over 10,000 families in Shastri Nagar of Jaipur and neighbouring areas have been screened. The present outbreak in Jaipur was detected through the surveillance system of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).