Rajasthan Zika strain not related to microcephaly



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The Ministry of Health said Saturday that advanced molecular studies suggest that the strain of Zika virus affecting Rajasthan patients does not contain known mutations related to fetal microcephaly and high transmissibility of the virus in Aedes mosquitoes .

The publication cited studies of Rajika strains of Zika, carried out by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Virology (NIV) of Pune, through next-generation sequencing.

Watchful vigil continues

The statement added that the government maintains strict vigilance given the possibility of an adverse pregnancy outcome in women exposed to Zika virus, since the strain could mutate in the future or that other unknown factors / hosts could play a role in microcephaly or other conbad anomalies. 19659002] The press release indicates that the Ministry of Health is reviewing the situation on a daily basis. About 2,000 samples were tested for Zika virus positivity, of which 159 positive cases were confirmed.

A sufficient number of test kits have been provided to viral research and diagnostic laboratories. The state government has received IEC materials to raise public awareness about Zika virus disease and prevention strategies. All pregnant women in the area are monitored by the National Health Mission. Intensive surveillance and vector control measures are also under way in the region.

Zika virus disease is an emerging disease reported by 86 countries around the world. The symptoms resemble those of other viral infections, such as dengue, and include fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pains, discomfort and headaches.

Treatment of Vectors

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January. / February 2017 and second home in July 2017 in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. Intensive surveillance and vector control have helped contain both outbreaks.

The disease is still present in the surveillance radars of the Ministry of Health of the Union, although it no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern according to the notification of the disease. WHO of 18 November. 2016.

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