Zika Strain does not have a fetal microcephalic-related mutation, says the Health Ministry on samples from Rajasthan

New Delhi:

An analysis of the Zika virus strains collected in Jaipur suggested that they did not carry known mutations related to fetal microcephaly, a serious congenital anomaly in newborns born to infected mothers, according to the Ministry of Health. the health.

The ICMR-NIV in Pune sequenced five strains of Zika virus collected at different times during the Jaipur epidemic.

"Advanced molecular studies on Zika virus strains, performed by next-generation sequencing, suggest that known mutations related to fetal microcephaly and ZIK virus high transmissibility in Aedes mosquitoes are not present in the current strain of Zika virus. Zika virus that affected Rajasthan "ministry said Saturday.

However, the government has maintained vigilance with regard to the possibility of adverse pregnancy consequences in women exposed to the Zika virus, as the strain may mutate in the future or may occur. Other unknown or host-related factors may play a role in microcephaly or other congenital anomalies, the statement said.

The Ministry of Health said that about 2,000 samples had been tested, of which 159 cases were confirmed. A sufficient number of test kits have been provided to the viral research and diagnostic laboratories.

The government of Rajasthan has received all the material prepared to raise awareness about Zika virus disease and its prevention strategies, and all pregnant women in the region are under surveillance.

The state government is implementing large-scale surveillance and vector control measures in the region.

Zika virus disease is an emerging disease currently reported by 86 countries around the world. The symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to those of other viral infections such as dengue fever and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, discomfort and headache.

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January / February 2017 and the second in July 2017 in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. Both outbreaks were controlled through intensive surveillance and vector management, the statement said.

The disease continues to feature on the disease surveillance radars of the Union's Ministry of Health, although it is no longer a public health emergency of international concern without notification to the WHO. since November 18, 2016.