States asked to remain alert after 8 Zika cases reported in Maharashtra | Delhi News


On Wednesday, the Centre ordered states to remain on high alert amid the spread of Zika virus in Maharashtra, where eight cases have been reported… Read more
New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday asked states to maintain constant monitoring of the Zika virus situation in the country after reports of spread of the mosquito-borne infection emerged in various districts of Maharashtra.

The central government has confirmed that as of July 2, eight cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Maharashtra: six from Pune and one each from Kolhapur and Sangamner.

The Zika virus is spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, like dengue and chikungunya. It spreads when a mosquito carrying the virus infects a person. Experts say the infection does not cause serious symptoms in most cases and resolves within a few days. However, in case of pregnant women, the infection affects the foetus and causes microcephaly (reduced head size) which makes it a major concern.

According to the Health Ministry, Director General of Health Services Atul Goel has issued an advisory to the states, highlighting the need to maintain continuous surveillance. The Health Ministry on Wednesday said that since Zika has been associated with microcephaly and neurological consequences in the fetus of a pregnant woman, states have been advised to alert physicians for strict monitoring.

It said, “States are requested to instruct health facilities to screen pregnant women, monitor foetal growth of pregnant mothers testing positive for Zika, and act as per the central guidelines.”

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