Lok Sabha Question No. 820 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Cases of Zika Virus
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Thiru Dayanidhi Maran

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 820 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2024

## CASES OFZIKAVIRUS

## 820. THIRU DAYANIDHI MARAN:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the measures being implemented to maintain constant vigilance over the Zika virus situation across the country, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the data on Zika virus cases is updated and shared with the public and health officials in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether protocols are in place for screening pregnant women for the Zika virus in affected or nearby areas and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government ensures adequate monitoring of fetal growth in Zika -positive mothers and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the actions taken/proposed to be taken by nodal officers in hospitals to ensure that premises remain free of Aedes mosquitoes and any additional preventive measures that are being recommended to reduce the risk of Zika virus transmission; and
- (f) whether the Government is coordinating with State health departments to manage and control the spread of the Zika virus and providing support mechanisms or resources to States to help them tackle it effectively, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) & (b) Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) at National Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) is mandated with surveillance & response to more than 33 outbreak prone communicable diseases including Zika virus. IDSP is implemented in all 36 States/UTs. The surveillance tool consists of S (Syndromic) form filled by Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANMs) at the Sub-centre level, P (Presumptive) form filled by medical officers at health facility level and L (Laboratory confirmed) form filled by laboratories as per standard case definitions.

The outbreak data on Zika virus is updated on regular basis on IDSP portal under weekly outbreaks section. It can be accessed at the link https://idsp.mohfw.gov.in.

(c) & (d): In view of Zika cases the Government has issued following advisory ;

1. To be vigilent, prepared and ensure availability of appropriate logistics at all level. State Authorities may alert all the concerned department for a concerted effort for Zika prevention.
2. All health facilities in the affected areas or catering cases from affected areas should screen pregnant women for Zika virus infection, monitor growth of fetus of expecting mothers who have tested positive for Zika and take action as per guidelines.
3. To perform entomological surveillance and intensify vector control activities in communities, workplaces and schools, construction sites institution, health facilities etc, and ensure timely engagement of community health workforce.

(e): To ensure that hospital premises remain free of Aedes mosquitoes various vector control measures outlined in the guidelines have been directed to adopt to prevent mosquito breeding. These measures include altering the environment to reduce mosquito breeding sites (Environmental Manipulation), encouraging the use of protective clothing and insect repellents among hospital staff and patients (Personal Protection), and implementing measures such as larviciding and adulticiding to control mosquito populations (Vector Control).

(f): Government is coordinating with States and every State has designated laboratories like District Public Health Laboratories (DPHLs), State Referral Laboratories (SRLs) under IDSP for investigation and surveillance of these diseases. Central unit of IDSP also performs media scanning & verification of print and electronic media which helps State authority in early detection and quick response. Government has also provided following assistance to the States for prevention and control of Zika virus disease:

-  Technical Guidelines for Integrated Vector Management, and effective community participation disseminated to the States for implementation.
-  Under National Health Mission, Budgetary support is provided to States/UTs for preventive activities such as provision of domestic breeding checkers, involvement of ASHA, insecticide, fogging machines, training support and awareness activities etc.
-  The Government has issued advisory to forewarn on Zika Virus, Dengue and Chikungunya to all the States including Maharashtra.

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