Jaipur Fights Largest Zika Virus Epidemic in India as Infected Cases Increase

The medical teams have taken measures to limit the spread of Zika and are observing all areas near Shastri Nagar in Jaipur.

The number of Zika virus cases in Jaipur in Rajasthan has risen to 50 and this development has sounded the alarm in the circle of medical fraternity and public health of India. This is now the largest Zika virus outbreak in India. Experts say that it is essential to contain the breeding of its vector mosquitoes to stop its spread. No terminal cases have been reported so far.

The Zika virus incubation period being one week, other cases are expected. The results of the containment measures will only be known after about a week. All students at Rajput Hostel, in the Sindhi camp area, are quarantined after three of them have been tested positive for the Zika virus.

Cases of Zika virus have also been reported in 11 pregnant women. The Zika virus mainly affects children to be born because it causes microcephaly in them. In microcephaly, a congenital anomaly, the child's head becomes smaller, resulting in an anomaly in the development of sound.

On September 21, an 85-year-old woman with no travel history was the first to take a positive test. But the Health Ministry suspects that the Zika virus outbreak in Jaipur was reportedly triggered by a tourist suffering from this infection.

Rajput Hostel in Jaipur is infested with mosquitoes infested Aedes Aaegypti, vector of Zika virus, and its control is a challenge. The same mosquito also spreads dengue and chikungunya. The hostel is located near the main bus station of the city. Several hotels and other accommodation are nearby. It is imperative to control Aedes.

So far, 86 countries have reported cases of zika. The largest epidemic occurred in Brazil in 2015. In India, it was reported for the first time in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2017. Rashes, muscle and joint pains and a high fever are the symptoms of Zika infection. Apart from this, one can also experience headaches and conjunctivitis. But the majority of people who suffer from this infection have no symptoms, or mild symptoms. The disease has not caused death or serious illness, but it is too risky for pregnant women. There is no vaccine yet and is treated by generic methods.

The medical teams have taken measures to limit the spread of Zika and are observing all areas near Shastri Nagar in Jaipur. 250 teams are deployed to each house where people report fever, check pregnant women and test samples. Measures are also being taken to control the spread of Aedes larvae.

A case of Zika virus is also reported in Bihar.