The Zika virus disease had become an epidemic during 2015-16 and set off an alarm that shook the world, especially among people who travelled to and from the affected countries. But India was not one of them.
However, now around 120 people have tested positive in Rajasthan, as per the state health minister, Kalicharan Saraf. He said 105 out of the 120 have already been treated.
In order to spread awareness, door to door surveys and screenings are being conducted in the state. People are being made aware of preventive measures and how to get cured if symptoms arise. Saraf quoted medical experts saying that the disease can be cured within a week if patients are careful in following advice of doctors. Since there is no specific treatment for the disease, taking plenty of rest, paracetamol, and drinking lots of water helps to cure the disease.
The Zika virus disease comes from mosquitoes, spread by daytime-active Aedes-mosquitoes. It is related to dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses. The virus usually cause no or only very mild symptoms like mild fever, rash, muscle pain or headaches. But it can be very dangerous for pregnant women. Zika can spread from a pregnant woman to her baby. This can result in severe brain malformations, and other birth defects. It can also cause miscarriage or preterm birth.
The government had initially said that the outbreak is under control, but recent tests show more people have got infected and it is definitely on the rise.
