Is Zika virus threat to people in India?Top Stories

February 01, 2016 11:27
Is Zika virus threat to people in India?},{Is Zika virus threat to people in India?

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The Zika virus has already caused a global scare. Now it is seen as a threat to people in India, after dengue and Chikungunya. The main reason behind this is because the virus spreads due to mosquito bite of an infected Aedes Egypty. The mosquito breeds in fresh water. Such pools are abundant in the sub-continent.

Even though Bengaluru doctors are updating themselves about Zika virus infection by sharing messages on WhatsApp, the state health department as well as the Union health ministry have not taken any concrete decision yet. Moreover, no testing facilities are in place, no guidelines to tackle the disease if spreads, and no screening procedures are present at airports. According to doctors from Bengaluru, India is at risk as number people travel to South America as well as other virus-attacked countries.  

Dr GM Vamadeva, director, health and family welfare department, said, "There is no need to fear.The virus has not yet come to India. We have no power to issue guidelines. The Centre must do it . We are yet to understand what kind of surveillance needed to screen travellers coming from the affected countries."

India is vulnerable to Zika infection says, Manipal hospital, quality compliance and outreach programs, head, Dr Satish Amar nath. He told STOI, "It's definitely going to be a threat. A lot of Indians travel to South America. The government must set up systems at airports to screen those coming from the affected areas. We do not have facilities to test, identify and monitor Zika. Commercial testing kits are the need of the hour."

-Sumana

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