Following the identification of Zika virus cases in Maharashtra, the Union Health Ministry has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states. The advisory emphasizes maintaining vigilant screening of pregnant women for infection and closely monitoring the development of foetuses in expecting mothers who test positive for Zika.

Health facilities and hospitals across states have been directed to appoint nodal officers to oversee efforts aimed at eliminating Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of the Zika virus. The advisory stresses the need to enhance entomological surveillance and intensify vector control measures in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and healthcare facilities.

In Pune, six cases of Zika virus infection, including two pregnant women, were reported on July 1. Four cases emerged from the Erandwane area, while two were identified in Mundhwa.

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are also responsible for spreading diseases like dengue and chikungunya. The virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947.

Pregnant women infected with Zika virus are at risk of delivering babies with microcephaly, a condition characterized by significantly smaller head size due to abnormal brain development.