Over 100 people, including 25 pregnant women, have tested positive for Zika virus in Rajasthan, according to figures released by the Union Health Ministry.
As it is a festive season involving much inter-State travel, neighbouring States of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have been put on alert. However, doctors said there is no need for panic.
Manoj Sharma, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, said: “If symptoms are detected and there is timely intervention, the infection can be controlled.”
While there is no specific treatment for Zika, the virus infection is usually mild.
“People diagnosed with Zika should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids and treat the pain and fever with paracetamol. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available,” said Anil Bansal of the Delhi Medical Association.
Doctors said that with Zika cases escalating in Rajasthan measures need to be put in place to prevent outbreaks among larger population.
“State governments need to advance research in prevention, surveillance, and control of Zika virus infection and associated complications. They need to develop, strengthen and implement integrated surveillance systems. To prevent a large geographical area from getting affected, steps need to be taken to monitor the situation in an effective and strategic manner,” said Dr. Sharma.
Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for the spread of chikungunya and dengue. The infection is also a trigger for Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children.
Risk to newborns
Transmission from an infected pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth is a distinct possibility.
The virus can cause birth defects in newborns called microcephaly – a condition defined by small heads and brain damage, sometimes along with other defects such as blindness, deafness, and seizures. Zika symptoms are similar to dengue. Diagnosis can be done through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation from blood samples.
K.K. Aggarwal, former Indian Medical Association president, said: “Just like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, Zika is a major public health concern.”
Zika became a worldwide threat in 2015, when babies in Brazil were born with microcephaly. The World Health Organization (WHO) had then declared it a global health emergency.
“The need of the hour is enhanced surveillance against the virus and its spread to areas within the country. While awareness needs to be created about the disease, the public need to be assured that there is no cause for undue concern,’’ Dr. Aggarwal added.
