The union health ministry said, on Friday, that it is making sure that India is well prepared against cases of Zika virus. The virus has reportedly caused much damage in Brazil and elsewhere in the Americas.
JP Nadda, Union Health MinisterWe are closely monitoring the situation of Zika cases and all necessary steps have been initiated to ensure that India is well prepared in case of any eventuality.
The minister directed the authorities to set up a technical group that would monitor the situation arising out of the spread of Zika virus in other countries. The team has also been asked to suggest steps that should be taken in India accordingly.
“We are focusing on especially strengthening the surveillance system,” Nadda said.
Nadda also called for an increased focus on prevention to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito is implicated in the spread of the virus. The mosquito is known to breed in clean water.
JP Nadda, Union Health MinisterCommunity awareness plays an instrumental role in this regard. There is a need for greater awareness amongst community.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil, was “spreading explosively” in the Americas.
There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, which is like dengue and causes mild fever, rash and red eyes.
The effort against the disease focuses on protecting people from mosquitoes and reducing mosquito populations.
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