• UGI USER
  • Jul 04, 2024
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ZIKA VIRUS ALERT: CENTRE’S ADVISORY TO STATES

Why in the news?

  • Zika Virus Cases in Maharashtra: Recently, several Zika virus cases have been reported from parts of Maharashtra, prompting nationwide attention.
  • Health Ministry’s Advisory: The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to all States, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance against the virus.

Focus on Pregnant Women

  • Screening Recommendations: States are urged to prioritize screening pregnant women for the Zika virus.
  • Foetal Monitoring: Health authorities should closely monitor the growth of the foetus in expecting mothers who test positive for the infection.
Source: ToI

About Zika Virus

  • Origin: First identified in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947.

Transmission

  • Mosquito-Borne: Primarily spread through bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).
    Other Modes: Can also spread via sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Symptoms

  • Asymptomatic: Many infected individuals show no symptoms.
    Mild Symptoms: When present, symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and red eyes (conjunctivitis).
    Onset and Duration: Symptoms appear 2-7 days after the mosquito bite and can last for several days to a week