In response to recent Zika virus cases reported from Maharashtra, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has issued an advisory urging states to maintain constant vigilance over the Zika virus situation across the country.

Given the association of Zika virus with microcephaly and neurological consequences in the fetuses of affected pregnant women, states have been advised to alert clinicians for close monitoring. Health facilities in affected areas, or those treating patients from these areas, have been instructed to screen pregnant women for Zika virus infection, monitor fetal growth in those who test positive, and follow Central Government guidelines. Additionally, states are to ensure that health facilities and hospitals designate a nodal officer to maintain Aedes mosquito-free environments.

The advisory emphasizes strengthening entomological surveillance and intensifying vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and health facilities. To mitigate public concern, states are urged to promote awareness through precautionary Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) messages on social media and other platforms, highlighting that Zika, like other viral infections, is mostly asymptomatic and mild. Notably, no Zika-associated microcephaly cases have been reported in India since 2016.

State authorities are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for timely detection and control of any potential outbreaks, ensuring the availability of appropriate logistics at all levels. Any detected Zika cases must be immediately reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).

Zika testing facilities are available at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi, and selected virus research and diagnostic laboratories of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). High-level reviews are ongoing.

Earlier this year, the DGHS issued an advisory on April 26, and the Director of NCVBDC issued advisories in February and April 2024 to forewarn states about Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same vector mosquito.