Health Ministry issues travel advisory on Zika-hit countries

The Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines on travel to the countries hit by the Zika virus, advising Indians to defer or cancel “non-essential travel” to those countries.

Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant have been specifically mentioned in the advisory issued on Tuesday.

Protective measures “All travellers to the affected countries/areas should strictly follow individual protective measures, especially during daytime, to prevent mosquito bites (use of mosquito repellent cream, electronic mosquito repellants, use of bed nets, and dress that appropriately covers most of the body parts),” it said.

Pregnant women who have travelled to areas with Zika virus transmission should mention about their travel during ante-natal visits to be assessed and monitored appropriately, it said, adding that travellers having febrile illness within two weeks of return from an affected country should also report to the nearest health facility.

Affected countries The World Health Organisation recently reported 22 countries and territories in Americas where local transmission of Zika virus has been reported. These are Brazil, Barbados, Bolivia, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Equador, El Salvador, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, St Martin, Suriname, Virgin Island and Venezuela.

“It may be noted that this list is likely to change with time. Hence, updated information should be checked periodically,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

The Zika virus disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which also spreads dengue and chikungunya, has been linked with microcephaly, a neurological birth defect. However, several scientists have called for a deeper study to establish a clear link, as it has genetic and other causes, too.

As of now, there is no vaccine or drug available to prevent/treat Zika virus disease. Incidentally, French drug major Sanofi on Tuesday announced the launch of a research project to develop a vaccine.

Surveillance drive Meanwhile, the Ministry said it had stepped up community-based surveillance to track acute febrile illness among those who travelled to areas with ongoing transmission in the two weeks preceding the onset of illness.

It said the National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi, would be the nodal agency for investigation of outbreak in any part of the country, which, along with National Institute of Virology, Pune, would be the apex laboratories to support the outbreak investigation and confirm laboratory diagnosis.

“RT- PCR test would remain the standard test. As of now there is no commercially available test for Zika virus disease. Serological tests are not recommended,” the Ministry said, adding that 10 additional labs would be strengthened by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

International airports and ports have been asked to display billboards/signage providing information to travellers on Zika virus disease.

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