Gujrat Government Did Not Reveal Zika Cases To Public

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed India's first three Zika virus cases in Ahmedabad. But the Gujarat Chief secretary JN Singh, clarified a day after stating that all three cases which were reported were isolated and cured already.

When asked why the public was not informed of the cases immediately, as per section 2.3 of WHO's 'Risk communication for Zika virus' protocol, Singh said, "Our BJ Medical College lab detected the first case on November 14, 2016 but it was finally confirmed by NIV on January 4, 2017," he said.

When asked why the public was not informed of the cases immediately, as per section 2.3 of WHO's 'Risk communication for Zika virus' protocol, Singh said, "our BJ Medical College lab detected the first case on November 14, 2016 but it was finally confirmed by NIV on January 4, 2017".

There haven't been any new fresh cases yet.

Zika virus is a mosquito borne disease caused by the Aedes mosquitoes. Which was first identified in the monkeys of Uganda in 1947 and was indentified during a monitoring research for yellow fever. Later in 1952 there were cases diagnosed among humans too. Since then it has spread to other continents like Asia, America etc.

In India there were three cases reported, one was reported from Gopalnagar in the posh SP Stadium ward and two positive cases both pregnant women were reported from the Bapunagar area of the city, Singh added that the WHO bulletin had also wrongly reported about the February 2016 case.

Even though on the WHO website it says that Zika virus infection during pregnancy could cause congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly which is a birth defect where a baby's head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly. Zika virus is also a trigger for Guillain-Barré syndrome in which body's immune system attacks a part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. Singh has clarified that the two pregnant women who were diagnosed have both delivered healthy babies. All three cases are old and have shown no complications till now.

The victims of Zika virus did not have any travel history to zika virus affected countries, "The national institute of virology (NIV) Pune is yet to give us a report on the gene sequencing of the virus to pinpoint the origin of the virus" said Singh.

He was further asked why the cases were not made public as soon as the diagnosis in accordance to the section 2.3 of WHO's 'Risk communication for Zika virus' protocol, Singh said, "Our BJ Medical College lab detected the first case on November 14, 2016 but it was finally confirmed by NIV on January 4th 2017.

Symptoms of the disease are similar to that of other diseases like dengue which are pain in muscle and joints, rashes, conjunctivitis, fever and headache. The incubation period of the disease has not been specified yet. The modes of transmission of the disease are through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible.

We all know that prevention is better than cure, thus we should take protective measures like wearing light colored clothing, and covering as much of the body as possible. Making sure windows and doors are closed, and using mosquito repellant creams and nets. It is important to cover, empty or clean potential mosquito breeding sites in and around houses such as buckets, drums, pots, gutters, and used tires.

Since there are no vaccines currently available for the virus, the best way to treat it by getting enough rest, consuming plenty of fluids and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.