No need for panic over Zika virus, preventive steps on: TN

Tamil Nadu Government today said there was no need for panic over Zika virus as measures to prevent mosquito breeding has been intensified, a day after the Centre put agencies like the National Centre for Disease Control on monitoring mode following a WHO alert.
Although there has been no case of Zika virus, spread by Aedes Aegypti type mosquito, Tamil Nadu has intensified steps to prevent its breeding following the WHO alert, State Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said here.
"There is no need for the people to panic over Zika virus as measures to prevent mosquito breeding has been intensified," he said after chairing a high-level meeting at the Secretariat here.

In an official release, the state government said Zika virus is spread by the mosquito type which is also responsible for Dengue and Chikungunya.
"Arrangements have been made to screen passengers who arrive from Zika virus infected countries in sea and airports for symptoms," the release said.
In accordance with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's orders, a range of measures to prevent mosquito breeding, including fogging has been intensified.
"There is no possibility for the virus to spread here since intensified efforts to prevent breeding of aedes aegypti mosquito is on in full swing."
The government also said hospitals have been put on alert mode and sufficient stocks of medicines are available to tackle the virus, if needed, it said.