India Takes Steps to Deal with Zika Virus

India’s Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, J. P. Nadda today held a high level meeting comprising senior officials from the Health Ministry and AIIMS (All India Institutes of Medical Sciences) to take stock of the situation in view of the recent cases of Zika Virus being reported from some countries.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and all necessary steps have been initiated to ensure that India is well prepared in case of any eventuality,” the Health Minister said after the meeting.

Zika Virus causes a mild illness known as Zika fever, which is similar to dengue fever. The patients are asked to take complete rest to cure the disease because it cannot be treated by drugs or vaccines.

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The Health Minister directed to constitute a technical group with immediate effect which would monitor the situation arising out of spread of Zika Virus in other countries and will advise further on all the necessary steps that need to be taken.

“We are focusing on especially strengthening the surveillance system,” the Health Minister added.

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Aedes mosquito which transmits dengue also transmits Zika virus. The Health Minister emphasised that there should be an increased focus on prevention to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito that breeds in clean water.

“Community awareness plays an instrumental role in this regard. There is a need for greater awareness amongst community,” the Health Minister said.

Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau