Anti-ZIKA virus steps taken up
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 15 2018:
With the recent confirmation of 29 ZIKA virus cases in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the Health Ministry has directed all the State Governments to take up necessary precautionary and preventive measures to combat the menace.
According to an official source, the Ministry, through video conferences, has instructed the respective Health Secretaries and Health officials of every State to remain vigilant, apart from detailing the steps needed to combat the virus.
The source mentioned that the officials were informed about the action plan of the Central Government to prevent the virus from entering the States as well as steps to properly eradicate the virus if in any case it happens to spread in a region.
Principal Secretary (Health) Vumlunmang, Additional Secretary (Health) Dr Sachikumar and State Malaria Officer Dr Gojen also took part in the video conference session, the source added.
Informing that necessary steps were taken up at Imphal International Airport, Mao and Jiribam as soon as the news about the outbreak of ZIKA virus at Rajasthan was received, the source conveyed that the Department has already adopted certain protocol for combating the disease.
On the other hand, a Health Department official explained that people infected by ZDCA virus will experience symptoms similar to fever and will often have bloodshot or red eyes.
If a pregnant woman is infected by the virus, her child will be born with a deformity, often with a tiny head compared to the body.
Pointing out that the mosquitoes responsible for spreading ZIKA virus are similar to those responsible for spreading Dengue, the official appealed to all to keep water bodies around houses and residential areas covered so as to stop the mosquitoes from breeding.