India sounds the gong on Zika; WHO asks India to monitor Zika

NEW DELHI: A day after the World Health Organisation declared the spread of Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern, the Centre on Tuesday issued detailed guidelines for combating the disease, to either defer or cancel travel to the affected areas.

The new guidelines suggests that all international airports and ports will have to display billboards/signages with information on the disease, with travellers being asked to report to Customs if they are returning from affected countries and suffering from febrile illness.

“Non-essential travel to the affected countries to be deferred/cancelled. Pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant should defer/cancel their travel to the affected areas.  All travellers to the affected areas should strictly follow measures,” it said.

For persons with co-morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, etc., it has been suggested that they should seek advice from the nearest health facility, prior to travel to an affected country.

“Travellers having febrile illness within two weeks of return from an affected country should report to the nearest health facility,” the guidelines said.

In its guidelines, the ministry has also asked the directorate-general of civil aviation, ministry of civil aviation to instruct all international airlines to follow the recommended aircraft disinfection guidelines.

“The Airport, Port Health Organisation would have quarantine facility in identified Airports,” it said.

While the government reassured that there was no cause for undue concern, as the disease has not been reported in India so far. However, Union health minister J.P. Nadda said he has asked for steps to be taken to prevent entry and transmission in India of the virus.

The health ministry said the overall situation would be monitored by a “joint monitoring group” under director general of health services (DGHS) while the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) would identify the research priorities and take appropriate action.

Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) shall be activated at Central and state surveillance units with each team comprising an epidemiologist or public health  specialist, a microbiologist and a medical specialist, the ministry added.

Keeping in view its “explosive” spread, the WHO too on Tuesday urged Southeast Asian countries and India to strengthen surveillance and take preventive measures against Zika virus, especially as the mosquito responsible for its spread is found in many areas of the region.

“Countries should build capacity of their laboratories to detect the virus and strengthen surveillance for cases of fever and rash, neurological syndromes and birth defects.