Goa steps up preventive efforts to tackle challenge posed by Zika virus

Goa's Ministry for Health is stepping up preventive efforts to tackle the challenge posed by the zika virus disease, which has already been described by the World Health Organisation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza who also holds Health portfolio said on Thursday that the internationally reputed tourist State would not take any chances in this regard.

He admitted that the Central Health Ministry has issued advisory to States according to which Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) shall be activated at Central and State surveillance units as part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines issued on Tuesday.

Mr. D'Souza told the press here on Thursday that the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) in Goa had already started making efforts to create popular awareness about the disease through the existing health service network.

" World Health Organization has reported 22 countries where local transmission of Zika virus has been reported. My department has started working on it. It has not come to India as yet. As per my knowledge the virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito which also transmits diseases like spreads chikungunya and dengue," Mr. D'Souza said.

The DHS has already issued written instructions to all State run hospitals and health centres to step up surveillance in communities near their respective facilities to scout for symptoms of Zika in residents in the jurisdiction.

"It could start anywhere. One affected person can spread the virus. We have to take our own precaution. We need to develop a vaccine and sansitise our population. It’s a huge challenge. We have to get prepared for it. We cannot wait for the virus to strike and then start," said Mr. D'Souza said.