Recent research led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showed the silent spread of the Zika virus in several states. On Monday the experts stated that the virus may have already become endemic in India and confirmed local virus transmission.

Based on the rising incidence worldwide caused by the ecological, economic, and social variables, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning concerning insect-borne illnesses such as Zika and dengue in April.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a vector-borne disease that is spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Additionally, it can spread through sexual activity, blood transfusions, and exposure to urine. Numerous babies were born with birth abnormalities like microcephaly after their mothers contracted the virus while they were pregnant due to the Aedes aegypti tested during the 2018 Zika outbreak in Rajasthan. However, no similar case has yet been documented in India.

Recently, scientists at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, have shown concern about the co-infection of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. They emphasized developing a safe and effective vaccine for ZIKV for pregnant women and also enhancing surveillance for ZIKV along with dengue and chikungunya.

Currently, there is no treatment for ZKV, but experts have recommended conservative management, which includes good hydration and the use of paracetamol whenever the patient exhibits any signs of body pain or fever. Precautionary measures include the use of mosquito nets and maintaining proper hygiene in and around the house to prevent the creation of standing water where mosquitoes can thrive. (ETHealthWorld, July 19, 2022)