Zika Virus and its arrival in INDIA

Background of  ZIKA VIRUS :-

• Recently,The WHO has placed India as a 'Category-2' country for Zika risk.
• A Category-2
  • It is the second highest on a four-point scale.
  • Category-2 also includes 2015 Zika-hotspot Brazil.
  • It indicates that the virus is being actively transmitted within the country.
• India was a Category-4 country till April.

ABOUT ZIKA VIRUS :-

• Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
• Zika can be passed through sex.
• An additional area of concern is,the presence of the Zika virus will be known six months later, after the birth of microcephalic infants.

Symptoms of ZIKA VIRUS :-

Mild fever, Skin rash, Conjunctivitis, Muscle and Joint pain, Malaise or Headache.These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.

ZIKA VIRUS MANAGEMENT IN INDIA:-

 India is at risk of spread of zika epidemic. The factors which add to vulnerability are:-

1. Lack of awareness.
2. Lack of effective vaccination against zika virus.
3. Lack of after care in case of microcephely occurrence.