One case of Zika virus detected in Ahmedabad in Jan: Govt

Only one case of Zika virus has been detected in Ahmedabad in January and a detailed surveillance thereafter has not shown any other positive cases, the government said today.
Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, said Zika is an emerging viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and it is widely prevalent in India.
"So far, only one case of laboratory positive Zika virus disease has been detected in Ahmedabad, India as part of routine laboratory surveillance in January, 2017," she said.
"Required containment measures were taken up as part of protocol and intensified detailed surveillance both in humans and mosquitoes in and around Ahmedabad and Gujarat did not show any further positive cases," the minister said.

She said the government has taken adequate measures to prevent Zika virus disease outbreak and has been regularly reviewing the preventive measures.
An action plan has been prepared to manage Zika and shared with all states while advisories have been issued to them to intensify vector control measures.
"Guidelines for integrated vector management for control of Aedes mosquito has been issued," Patel said.
She maintained that all international airports and sea ports have displayed signages to provide information about Zika, while 23 laboratories have been identified and strengthened to test it.