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