Zika Virus Cases on the Rise: ICMR Sounds Alarm Bells

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has sounded alarm bells as Zika virus cases have started rising with the onset of the monsoon season. Scientists from the ICMR are urging state governments to increase testing for Zika virus infection and also test negative cases of patients reporting symptoms of dengue and chikungunya fever for the virus.

The warning comes after several states, including Maharashtra, reported a significant increase in patients infected with the Zika virus. According to an ICMR scientist, who wished to remain anonymous, “States governments and agencies should focus on enhanced surveillance… States should test dengue and chikungunya negative cases for Zika virus.”

The Zika virus was first detected in India in 2016, and since then, sporadic cases have been reported in various states. However, this year, the Asian strain of the virus has been found circulating in the country, which is a cause for concern. The ICMR scientist explained that the virus is spread by Aedes dengue mosquitoes and can cause microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s brain does not develop properly during pregnancy.

The ICMR is concerned about limited testing, which could result in underreporting of Zika virus cases in the country. The scientist emphasized the need for continuous and strengthened surveillance throughout the year to enhance detection and implementation of control measures with an increased pace of testing.

Maharashtra has reported eight cases of Zika virus infection this year, with six cases reported from Pune, one from Kolhapur, and one from Sangamner. The government is constantly monitoring patients reporting febrile illness and pregnant mothers residing in affected states.

The need for widespread testing is more acute as there are no vaccines for the virus yet. Although vaccine development for the virus has been fast-tracked worldwide due to the implications of Zika virus infection for pregnant women and their newborns, a major hurdle to overcome is ensuring that the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their children.

Dr. Sujeet Singh, former head of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), emphasized the importance of testing pregnant women for Zika virus infection. He suggested that instead of conducting mass testing of pregnant mothers, the government should make Zika testing mandatory in antenatal screening, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. This is because termination is possible during this time, but it becomes difficult beyond this time frame.

The ICMR scientist also highlighted that around 70-80% of people remain asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic people recover gradually. However, the concern is for pregnant women, as Zika virus infection can lead to microcephaly in 1 in 15,000 cases.

In conclusion, the ICMR’s warning highlights the importance of increased testing and surveillance to detect and control the spread of Zika virus. As the virus is linked to congenital malformations, it is crucial to ensure that pregnant women are tested and monitored regularly to prevent any adverse effects on their newborns.

Key Points:

• Zika virus cases are on the rise in India, especially with the onset of the monsoon season.
• The ICMR is urging state governments to increase testing for Zika virus infection and test negative cases of patients reporting symptoms of dengue and chikungunya fever.
• The Asian strain of the virus has been found circulating in the country, which is a cause for concern.
• Limited testing could result in underreporting of Zika virus cases in the country.
• There are no vaccines for the virus yet, and vaccine development is a major challenge.
• Pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting Zika virus infection, which can lead to microcephaly in 1 in 15,000 cases.
• The government should make Zika testing mandatory in antenatal screening, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.

Historical Context:

The Zika virus was first detected in India in 2016, and since then, sporadic cases have been reported in various states. The virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda and was initially thought to be a mild disease. However, in 2015, a large outbreak occurred in Brazil, which led to a global health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus was found to be linked to microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s brain does not develop properly during pregnancy, and other birth defects.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been monitoring the spread of the virus in India and has sounded alarm bells as cases have started rising with the onset of the monsoon season. The ICMR is urging state governments to increase testing for Zika virus infection and test negative cases of patients reporting symptoms of dengue and chikungunya fever.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Zika virus cases are on the rise in India, especially with the onset of the monsoon season. • The ICMR is urging state governments to increase testing for Zika virus infection and test negative cases of patients reporting symptoms of dengue and chikungunya fever. • The Asian strain of the virus has been found circulating in the country, which is a cause for concern. • Limited testing could result in underreporting of Zika virus cases in the country. • There are no vaccines for the virus yet, and vaccine development is a major challenge. • Pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting Zika virus infection, which can lead to microcephaly in 1 in 15,000 cases. • The government should make Zika testing mandatory in antenatal screening, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. • The ICMR is concerned about the lack of testing and surveillance, which could lead to a delay in detection and implementation of control measures. • The virus is spread by Aedes dengue mosquitoes and can cause microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s brain does not develop properly during pregnancy. • The ICMR scientist emphasized the need for continuous and strengthened surveillance throughout the year to enhance detection and implementation of control measures with an increased pace of testing.