• UGI USER
  • Jul 12, 2024
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ZIKA VIRUS: URGENT NEED FOR ENHANCED SURVEILLANCE

Why in the news?

  • At least 15 Zika virus cases have been reported in Pune, Maharashtra, including eight pregnant women, raising public health concerns.
  • The Karnataka Health Department is investigating a suspected case and has recorded a death linked to Zika, emphasizing the need for vigilant health measures.
Source: CEIC

About Zika Virus:

About:

  • Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti.
  • It can also spread from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, and via blood transfusions.
  • The virus has an RNA genome, allowing high mutation rates and consists of two lineages: African and Asian.

History:

  • Discovered in 1947 in Uganda’s Zika forest, with the first human cases reported in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania.
  • Outbreaks have occurred across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific since 2007.
  • Recent notable outbreaks have been recorded in Kerala and Karnataka, India.

Treatment :

  • No Vaccine available yet.

 

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/zika-virus-alert-centres-advisory-to-states/