This refers to the editorial, “Containing Zika's spread” (June 3). The country has already borne the brunt of Chikungunya and Dengue over a period; it cannot afford to reel from the spate of another arbovirus infection spread through the Aedes mosquitoes. The fact that Zika can mimic Dengue to a large extent in its symptoms, like low grade fever coupled with joint and muscle pain, can be deceptive, pointing to the necessity of harbouring a high index of suspicion to spot Zika early. Among the 47 countries where Zika cases are reported, 10 have documented incidents of sexual transmission of the virus leading to deformed newborns — a worrying prospect
When doctors doubt something amiss, routine body fluid tests should be undertaken straightaway. A study by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia has indicated that a breakthrough maybe in sight in developing an anti-virus to Zika through a plant extract preventing Zika from replicating inside the body. Eliminating mosquito-breeding sites, spraying of insecticides, protection of the body by wearing full clothes at night outside, raising awareness among the people, especially school children, educating parent and teachers, and gearing up our laboratories so that they are not found wanting in exigencies — are steps the Government should initiate to prevent a Zika outbreak in India.