The fear expressed by scientists and doctors that Zika virus may make a comeback in India has been proven true. Up to 22 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in the past two weeks in Rajasthan, a substantial spike from three cases found in Gujarat last year and one in Tamil Nadu.

No casualties

According to the Union Health Ministry update the outbreak has not yet spread to other States. Also, the virus has not caused any deaths.

This is the largest cluster of Zika positive cases in India so far, previous outbreaks, first one being in Ahmedabad in January and February last year having infected three persons and yet another in July last year from Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu having infected one person.

While both earlier outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management, the task before the Centre and the Rajasthan government seems massive, considering high number of positive cases that have been detected in a short span of two weeks.

Zika infection in pregnant mothers is known to be connected to microcephaly in newborn babies, where the infants are born with an extremely small head. It remains to be seen what repercussions it will have on pregnant mothers.

Counter measures

“All suspect cases in the defined area and mosquito samples from this area are being tested. Additional testing kits are provided to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories. All pregnant mothers in the area are being monitored through NHM. Extensive surveillance and vector control measures are being taken up in the area as per protocol by the state government,” a Health Ministry statement said.

Zika virus infection is currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide and is spread through virus carrying vector, which is the mosquito — Aedes aegypti. Symptoms are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.

Doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had earlier this year warned that Zika cases in India may rise in next three to four years, as it is spread by Aedes aegypti mosquito which is also the vector for dengue and chikungunya. Also, the cell structure of Zika is similar to dengue, making the identification of the virus extremely tough. Zika virus structure is known to mutate rapidly, making it extremely challenging to come up with a vaccine against it.

Surveillance system

The present outbreak in Jaipur was detected through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) surveillance system.

“A seven-member high level Central team was deputed to Jaipur immediately following detection of first case to assist State Government in control and containment measures,” the statement further said.

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