Thirteen New Zika Virus Cases Reported in India: Government Strengthens Measures

Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel informed the Rajya Sabha about 13 new Zika virus cases in Karnataka and Maharashtra till July 22. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme has recorded fluctuating annual cases, and the Centre has implemented a comprehensive action plan to control outbreaks and enhance public awareness.

On Tuesday, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel revealed to the Rajya Sabha that thirteen new Zika virus cases have surfaced in India up to July 22—three from Karnataka and ten from Maharashtra.

The country's annual Zika virus cases have varied significantly over the past few years: 23 in 2023, 2 in 2022, and 234 in 2021. Back in 2018, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) recorded 261 cases.

In a written reply, Patel disclosed that the Centre has established an 'Action Plan for managing Zika Virus Disease.' This plan provides detailed public health guidelines for outbreak responses and emphasizes community involvement.

Under the National Health Mission, states receive budgetary support for preventive measures such as deploying domestic breeding checkers and conducting awareness programs. The IDSP at the National Centre for Disease Control is tasked with monitoring various outbreak-prone diseases, including Zika.

For disease surveillance and investigation, each state has designated laboratories, such as District Public Health Laboratories (DPHLs) and State Referral Laboratories (SRLs) under IDSP. Health care delivery primarily falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, Patel noted.

She added that reserving hospital beds for Zika patients is performed based on the disease's unique requirements and local circumstances.