NEW DELHI: Twenty two cases of the Zika virus have been detected in Rajasthan and a 7-member high-level team has been deputed in Jaipur to assist the state in control and containment measures, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said on Monday. The Zika virus, which causes paralysis in some cases and birth defects in children born to pregnant women affected by it, is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide.
“The present outbreak in Jaipur, Rajasthan was detected through the Indian Council for Medical Research surveillance system,” the Centre said in a statement. A high-level Joint Monitoring Group of Technical Experts headed by the director general of health services has met twice to monitor preparedness and response measures.
“Another High Level Central Team is already placed in Jaipur since October 5 to further oversee and assist containment operations on the field. A Control Room has been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to undertake regular monitoring of the situation,” it said.
All suspect cases in the defined area and mosquito samples are being tested. The Ministry has also arranged for the additional testing kits, which have been provided to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories. The government also assured that all pregnant women in the affected area are being monitored through the national health mission and extensive surveillance and vector control measures are being taken up as per protocol by the state government.
Official said that symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headaches. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January last year in Gujarat and was followed by an outbreak in July, 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamilnadu.
“Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management,” the Centre said in its statement. The state government has been supplied with information, education and communication (IEC) material prepared to create awareness about Zika virus and its prevention strategies. The disease continues to be on surveillance radars of the Union Health Ministry.