Headlines
- Some cases of Zika virus have been reported in Maharashtra
- The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to all states
- States have been advised to ask doctors to closely monitor this
advise on Zika Virus, Zika virus in Maharashtra (Zika Virus After a few cases were reported, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday issued an advisory to all states directing them to keep a constant vigil on the situation. States have been urged to focus on testing pregnant women for Zika virus and monitor the foetal development of women found infected.
Apart from the advisory issued by Director General of Health Services Dr Atul Goel, the ministry also directed the health institutions to appoint a nodal officer who will monitor and take action to keep the premises free from Aedes mosquito infestation.
Zika virus infection is spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito
Zika virus infection is spread by the bite of Aedes mosquito. This mosquito also causes dengue and chikungunya. Although Zika infection does not cause death, it can cause ‘microcephaly’ in the baby of an infected pregnant woman, in which the size of his head becomes relatively very small.
‘Microcephaly’ and neurological problems in fetuses of pregnant women infected with Zika virus
The advisory said that since fetuses of pregnant women infected with Zika virus may develop ‘microcephaly’ and neurological problems, states have been advised to ask doctors to closely monitor it.
Six cases of Zika in Pune and one each in Kolhapur and Sangamner
States have been urged to instruct health institutions located in the affected areas or institutions caring for infected patients to conduct Zika tests on pregnant women and act as per the guidelines of the central government while monitoring the fetal development of women if the infection is confirmed. As of July 2 this year, six cases of Zika have been reported in Pune and one each in Kolhapur and Sangamner.