A total of 22 positive laboratories confirmed cases of Zika virus infection have been detected so far in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This number will only rise. Last week the Health Ministry sounded an alert for Bihar after a student of computer science from Siwan, studying in Jaipur, tested positive for the Zika virus.
Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. The symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to those in other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.
While enhanced surveillance, community-based including at international airports and ports, to track cases of acute febrile illness is the need of the hour, creating public awareness about the disease including preventive measures should be the focus. At the same time, the public should be assured that there is no need to panic.
Speaking about this, Dr KK Aggarwal, former president Indian medical Association, said: Winter is on the horizon and so is the marriage season. In India, it will commence from the end of Chaturmas in November. All newly-weds should avoid starting a family if one of them has or is recovering from dengue-like illness. It is imperative to rule out Zika virus infection first.”
Hygiene and sanitation are the cornerstones for preventing mosquito-borne disease like Zika.