In response to Zika virus cases from Maharashtra, the Centre on Wednesday sent advisories to the States. The most recent advice asks the States to keep a close eye on pregnant women and screen them for Zika virus infection.

Furthermore, the states have been asked to keep an eye on the development of the foetus of expectant moms who tested positive for Zika. The States are also requested to recommend that medical centres and hospitals designate a nodal officer who will keep an eye on the area and take appropriate action to keep Aedes mosquitoes away.

The states have been requested to bolster vector control efforts and entomological surveillance in residential areas, businesses, schools, construction sites, institutions, and medical facilities.

Even though microcephaly is linked to it, since 2016 there have been no reports of microcephaly linked to Zika in the nation, according to PIB.

Like Dengue and Chikungunya, Zika is a viral illness spread by Aedes mosquitoes. It’s a nonlethal illness. But Zika is a serious issue since it is linked to microcephaly, or smaller heads in kids delivered to infected pregnant women.

In Gujarat State, India, the first Zika case was recorded in 2016. Numerous more States, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, have since reported incidents.

Maharashtra has reported eight occurrences in 2024 (up to July 2nd) from Pune (6), Kolhapur (1), and Sangamner (1).