India initiates steps to tackle possible outbreak of Zika virus

Day after WHO warned Zika virus was 'spreading explosively' and described the level of alarm 'extremely high', Indian government Friday said it was closely monitoring the spread of Zika virus in several countries and have initiated steps to counter its possible outbreak in the country.

"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," Indian Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said.

Nadda Friday held a meeting with his ministry officials and experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in wake of the spread of Zika virus in several countries.

Officials at health ministry said they have been directed to constitute a technical group that would monitor the situation arising out of the spread of Zika virus in the countries of its prevalence.

The group has been entrusted with the job to suggest precautionary steps that should be taken in India in case of any eventuality.

The virus was first detected in 1947 in monkeys in Africa. Though there have been small, short-lived outbreaks since then from Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Last year it has spread on a massive scale in the Americas and its transmission was detected in Brazil.

"The situation today is dramatically different. Last year, the virus was detected in the Americas, where it is now spreading explosively. As of today, cases have been reported in 23 countries and territories in the region," Margaret Chan, director general of the WHO said on Thursday. "The level of alarm is extremely high."

According to WHO, the virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. Health officials say this is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

People with Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash (exanthema) and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for two to seven days.

No specific treatment or vaccine is currently available to treat the Zika virus.

Nadda emphasised that there should be an increased focus on prevention to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito, responsible for transmitting Zika virus. Aedes mosquito is said to breed in clean water.

"Community awareness plays an instrumental role in this regard. There is a need for greater awareness amongst community," he said.

Zika virus has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains.

WHO says the best form of prevention against Zika virus is protection against mosquito bites. Endit