India should be ready to fight Zika Virus in the event of an outbreak: Dr Purohit

New Delhi/Bhopal: India should be “prepared to fight” the Zika virus in the event of an “outbreak” after
eight cases of Zika virus infection have been reported from Maharashtra: Pune (6), Kolhapur (1) and Sangamner (1) said Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor- National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

Voicing his concern on this issue Principal Investigator for the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Control Programme Dr Purohit told NewsOnRadar.com  that Zika is an aedes mosquito-borne viral disease like dengue and chikungunya.
Pregnant women are at higher risk to contract the virus that can lead to severe complications, harming the developing foetus in the womb. Microcephaly is one of the most alarming outcomes, where babies are born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains.

“Zika virus gets transmitted to a person through the bite of an infected mosquito. When bitten, the first signs are typically mild and can include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.
Besides affecting current pregnancy, the deadly virus can also affect her future pregnancies, making it a significant public health concern.,
he said.

He apprehended that it is very likely that the zika viral disease may be present in other parts of the country other than Maharashtra state and hence active surveillance of zika virus is needed to prevent its outbreak

He averred that the first outbreak of zika virus in India was reported in Ahmedabad in January-February 2017. The second outbreak was reported after five months in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. Both were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

He stated that since its discovery from the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947, several outbreaks of Zika Viral Disease have been reported from Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Besides this, numerous travel-associated cases of Zika have also been reported from various countries.

“Zika infection can cause other serious conditions collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome, “he pointed

“These include eye defects like damage to the retina and optic nerves, leading to vision problems; hearing impairments with structural and functional issues in the ear; growth restrictions both in the womb and after birth, leading to low birth weight and stunted growth; and joint deformities with limited range of motion in some joints, giving rise to arthrogryposis,” he noted.

“If a woman is infected with zika, it must be cleared from her system before she can conceive because the virus will still bring harm to the baby if one becomes pregnant while infected,” he cautioned.

“If a pregnant woman thinks she might be experiencing symptoms of the zika virus, she should seek medical attention right away. She should tell her healthcare provider about recent travel to an area with Zika and if she may have had mosquito bites. The healthcare provider may suggest testing for the presence of the virus,” he averred.

Noted Epidemiologist revealed that by having unprotected sex with an infected individual or being bitten by an infected aedes mosquito, a person might contract the zika viral disease.

He suggested that in case to avoid being infected by the Zika virus people must avoid stagnant water collection, cleaning pots and coolers. Using EPA approved mosquito repellent (DEET) is preferred. Larvicidal measures such as permethrin is desirable.

He advised to wear light and full clothing while going out.
He emphasised the use of condoms for safe sex and sexual abstinence for 2 – 3 months for both women and men if suspected or while travelling to area of ongoing zika transmission.

He urged pregnant women to take extra precautions to avoid exposure, such as avoiding travel to Zika-affected areas and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr.  Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.