Zika a concern, can cause birth defects anytime during pregnancy

Zika a concern, can cause birth defects anytime during pregnancy Three confirmed cases in India so far New Delhi, 12 June 2017: According to statistics, three confirmed cases of Zika have occurred in India with the most recent one in January this year. In light of this, the IMA has urged to treat Zika as a concern during pregnancy and called for raising awareness on how to avoid contracting the disease. India saw the first Zika case in November 2016 when a 34-year-old woman who had just given birth to a healthy child came down with a fever. Tests confirmed that she was infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Epidemiology indicates that for everyone positive case there are 200 subclinical cases. A recent report has revealed that all pregnant women could see birth defects if infected with the Zika virus at any time. Of this, about 5% to 8% women infected during their first trimester, 5% during the second trimester, and about 4% infected in the third trimester had babies with Zika-related birth defects. This is proof of the fact that the virus remains dangerous throughout a woman’s pregnancy. Speaking on this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "The environment in India is ripe for Zika due to the preponderance of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The post-monsoon months when mosquitoes swarm, particularly in slum areas where there is standing water and accumulating trash, can produce many more infections. The risk of defects is slightly higher if the infection is contracted earlier in pregnancy. However, many women are not even aware of being infected until after they deliver a baby. This is because there may be no apparent rashes or signs of a clinical illness. It is also a fact that no one outside the government was aware of the three cases in India until after the WHO announced receipt of reports about them from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This points to the fact that there is a need to create awareness on the virus and its effects on the health of the person affected." Two of the three people who tested positive in Ahmedabad were women, and both gave birth to healthy babies. About 40,000 samples have been tested across the country for Zika since July last year. Apart from the three reported cases in Ahmedabad, none were positive. However, the tests would detect recent active infections and not past exposure that could convey immunity. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Some of the complications in babies infected with Zika virus are congenital brain abnormalities including microcephaly. There is no vaccination available till now for this infection. Few questions that need to be asked right now include: Should all women in pregnancy before 20 weeks get Zika antibody tested? Shouldn’t microcephaly be a notifiable disease now? There is a need to alert all concerned authorities and spread awareness on this disease." Zika virus disease is usually mild and requires no specific treatment. The infected person should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. Pregnant women should wear clothes that cover their arms and legs so as to avoid getting a mosquito bite.

WHO confirms three Zika cases in India

WHO confirms three Zika cases in India The first three cases of Zika virus infection were confirmed on Friday from Ahmedabad, Gujarat by the World Health Organization (WHO). In its report dated May 26, 2017, the WHO said, “On 15 May 2017, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare-Government of India (MoHFW) reported three laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus disease in Bapunagar area, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat, State, India. The routine laboratory surveillance detected a laboratory-confirmed case of Zika virus disease through RT-PCR test at B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The etiology of this case has been further confirmed through a positive RT-PCR test and sequencing at the national reference laboratory, National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune on 4 January 2017 (case 2, below). Two additional cases (case 1 and case 3), have then been identified through the Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) and the Antenatal clinic (ANC) surveillance." (Source: WHO, May 26, 2017) Zika virus disease was declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO in February last year. And, in November 2016, the WHO declared an end to its global health emergency over the spread of the Zika virus. Guidelines on the Zika virus disease were issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare last year. NCDC, Delhi and National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune were designated as the apex laboratories to support the outbreak investigation and for confirmation of laboratory diagnosis. According to the WHO report, an Inter-Ministerial Task Force has been set up under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) together with Secretary (Bio-Technology), and Secretary (Department of Health Research). The Joint Monitoring Group, a technical group tasked to monitor emerging and re-emerging diseases is regularly reviewing the global situation on Zika virus disease. In addition to National Institute of Virology, Pune, and NCDC in Delhi, 25 laboratories have also been strengthened by Indian Council of Medical Research for laboratory diagnosis. In addition, 3 entomological laboratories are conducting Zika virus testing on mosquito samples. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has tested 34 233 human samples and 12 647 mosquito samples for the presence of Zika virus. Among those, close to 500 mosquitoes samples were collected from Bapunagar area, Ahmedabad District, in Gujarat, and were found negative for Zika. However, this report has highlighted India’s vulnerability to vector-borne diseases due to its huge population, climate and people traveling into the country in large numbers. These cases provide evidence on the circulation of the virus in India suggesting low level transmission of Zika virus and chances of more cases occurring. Dengue and Chikungunya are already endemic in the country. All these three diseases – Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika – are viral infections and share a common vector, the Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue or Chikungunya-like symptoms with red eyes, fever with a rash or joint pain should not be ignored. Such cases could be Zika. Eliciting a travel history in such patients is very important. There is no specific treatment. Patients should be advised to take paracetamol to relieve fever and pain, plenty of rest and plenty of liquids. Aspirin, products containing aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen should be avoided. In view of the detection of Zika in India, the need of the hour is enhanced surveillance: community-based and at international airports and ports to track cases of acute febrile illness. While awareness needs to be created about the disease, the public needs to be reassured that there is no cause for undue concern. There is no vaccine for Zika virus infection. Protection against mosquito bites is very important to prevent Zika infection. People traveling to high risk areas, especially pregnant women, should take protections from mosquito bites. • Stay inside when the Aedes are most active. They bite during the daytime, in the very early morning, and in the few hours before sunset. • Buildings with screens and air conditioning are safest. • Wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when you go outside. • Ensure that rooms are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering. • Wear bug spray or cream that contains DEET or a chemical called picaridin. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

CDC updates guidance on interpretation of Zika testing results for pregnant women

CDC updates guidance on interpretation of Zika testing results for pregnant women The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated guidance for healthcare professionals to interpret Zika test results for women who live in, or frequently travel (daily or weekly) to areas with a CDC Zika travel notice. Emerging data suggests that Zika virus IgM can persist beyond 12 weeks after infection in some individuals making it difficult to determine the timing of infection, especially in testing of asymptomatic people. It may not be easy to determine whether women were infected before or after they became pregnant. Hence, the CDC has recommended the following guidance for healthcare professionals evaluating women without symptoms who had potential Zika exposure—particularly women who live in or frequently travel (daily or weekly) to areas with CDC Zika travel notices. • Screen pregnant women for risk of Zika exposure and symptoms of Zika. Test pregnant women promptly, using nucleic acid testing (NAT), if they develop symptoms at any point during pregnancy or if their sexual partner tests positive for Zika virus infection • Consider NAT testing at least once during each trimester of pregnancy to detect evidence of Zika virus, unless a previous test has been positive • Consider testing specimens obtained during amniocentesis to detect evidence of Zika virus if amniocentesis is performed for other reasons • Counsel all pregnant women each trimester about the limitations of Zika testing (Source: CDC Press Release, May 5, 2017) Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

IMA ZIKA Alert: Do not ignore dengue or Chikungunya-like symptoms with red eyes

IMA ZIKA Alert: Do not ignore dengue or Chikungunya-like symptoms with red eyes Local mosquito transmission of Zika virus infection has been reported in Singapore. Local mosquito transmission means that mosquitoes in the area are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people. Because Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, Indian Medical Association (IMA) recommends that travelers to Singapore protect themselves from mosquito bites. A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus. And, infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. IMA recommends special precautions for the following groups: Women who are pregnant • Pregnant women should avoid traveling to Singapore. If at all necessary, they should first talk to their doctor and strictly follow measures to prevent mosquito bites during their stay. • If you have a partner who lives in or has travelled to Singapore, either use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection) or do not have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) during your pregnancy. Women who are trying to become pregnant • If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection before either of you travel. • You and your partner should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible, so travelers are encouraged to use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection) or not have sex. What can travelers do to prevent Zika? There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites: • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin. • Use EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE, also called para-menthane-diol [PMD]) or IR3535. o Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label. o Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children older than 2 months (Avoid OLE in children younger than 3 years.) • Stay in places with air conditioning and window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. • Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. • Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites. • Use condoms as Zika is known to spread via sexual transmission. After travel Many people infected with Zika virus do not feel sick. If a mosquito bites an infected person while the virus is still in that person’s blood, it can spread the virus by biting another person. Even if they do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from Singapore should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so that they do not spread Zika to uninfected mosquitoes. Travelers returning from Singapore who have a pregnant partner should either use condoms or not have sex for the rest of the pregnancy. People who have travelled to Singapore should use condoms for at least 8 weeks after travel to protect their sex partners. Men who have Zika symptoms or are diagnosed with Zika should use condoms for at least 6 months after symptoms start; women with symptoms should use condoms for at least 8 weeks after symptoms start. Travelers who are thinking about pregnancy should talk with their health care provider. Men who have travelled to Singapore should wait at least 8 weeks after travel before trying to conceive or at least 6 months after symptoms start if they develop symptoms of Zika. Women who have travelled to Singapore should wait at least 8 weeks after travel before trying to get pregnant, or at least 8 weeks after symptoms start if they develop symptoms. If you feel sick and think you may have Zika • Talk to your doctor if you develop a fever with a rash, joint pain, or red eyes. Tell your doctor about your travel history. • Take paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Avoid aspirin, products containing aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. • Get lot of rest. • Drink plenty of liquids. If you are pregnant • Talk to a doctor or other health care provider after your trip, even if you have no symptoms. • Pregnant travelers returning from Singapore, or who have had possible sexual exposure, should be offered testing for Zika virus infection. • Consult your doctor immediately if you develop fever with a rash, joint pain, or red eyes, and tell him or her about your travel or possible sexual exposure. • If you do not have symptoms, testing should be offered if you see a health care provider, up to 12 weeks after you return from travel or your last possible sexual exposure.

IMA ZIKA Alert: Do not ignore dengue or Chikungunya-like symptoms with red eyes

IMA ZIKA Alert: Do not ignore dengue or Chikungunya-like symptoms with red eyes Local mosquito transmission of Zika virus infection has been reported in Singapore. Local mosquito transmission means that mosquitoes in the area are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people. Because Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, Indian Medical Association (IMA) recommends that travelers to Singapore protect themselves from mosquito bites. A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus. And, infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. IMA recommends special precautions for the following groups: Women who are pregnant • Pregnant women should avoid traveling to Singapore. If at all necessary, they should first talk to their doctor and strictly follow measures to prevent mosquito bites during their stay. • If you have a partner who lives in or has travelled to Singapore, either use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection) or do not have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) during your pregnancy. Women who are trying to become pregnant • If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection before either of you travel. • You and your partner should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible, so travelers are encouraged to use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection) or not have sex. What can travelers do to prevent Zika? There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites: • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin. • Use EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE, also called para-menthane-diol [PMD]) or IR3535. o Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label. o Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children older than 2 months (Avoid OLE in children younger than 3 years.) • Stay in places with air conditioning and window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. • Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. • Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites. • Use condoms as Zika is known to spread via sexual transmission. After travel Many people infected with Zika virus do not feel sick. If a mosquito bites an infected person while the virus is still in that person’s blood, it can spread the virus by biting another person. Even if they do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from Singapore should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so that they do not spread Zika to uninfected mosquitoes. Travelers returning from Singapore who have a pregnant partner should either use condoms or not have sex for the rest of the pregnancy. People who have travelled to Singapore should use condoms for at least 8 weeks after travel to protect their sex partners. Men who have Zika symptoms or are diagnosed with Zika should use condoms for at least 6 months after symptoms start; women with symptoms should use condoms for at least 8 weeks after symptoms start. Travelers who are thinking about pregnancy should talk with their health care provider. Men who have travelled to Singapore should wait at least 8 weeks after travel before trying to conceive or at least 6 months after symptoms start if they develop symptoms of Zika. Women who have travelled to Singapore should wait at least 8 weeks after travel before trying to get pregnant, or at least 8 weeks after symptoms start if they develop symptoms. If you feel sick and think you may have Zika • Talk to your doctor if you develop a fever with a rash, joint pain, or red eyes. Tell your doctor about your travel history. • Take paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Avoid aspirin, products containing aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. • Get lot of rest. • Drink plenty of liquids. If you are pregnant • Talk to a doctor or other health care provider after your trip, even if you have no symptoms. • Pregnant travelers returning from Singapore, or who have had possible sexual exposure, should be offered testing for Zika virus infection. • Consult your doctor immediately if you develop fever with a rash, joint pain, or red eyes, and tell him or her about your travel or possible sexual exposure. • If you do not have symptoms, testing should be offered if you see a health care provider, up to 12 weeks after you return from travel or your last possible sexual exposure.

Mosquitoes Can Infect Their Eggs With Dengue

Mosquitoes Can Infect Their Eggs With Dengue

Spraying not enough to eliminate dengue, prevention is key

The incidence of dengue will continue to exist this month and instead of creating unnecessary chaos and panic, it is essential that awareness is created about its prevention and timely steps are taken towards disease management.

The first step typically taken towards eliminating dengue is large scale spraying. What most people remain unaware of is that spraying affects adult mosquitoes, but it does not usually kill the immature forms — the eggs and larvae. Spraying only reduces transmission, but it may not eliminate the virus. The aedes mosquito can pass the virus to their offspring in their eggs making control harder.

Usually, it takes people plus mosquitoes to spread a virus. The mosquitoes bite actively infected people, incubate the virus for a while, and then bite other people to spread it. If no people in an area are infected, no virus spreads. Using mosquito nets, mosquito repellents with DEET and constantly checking for breeding in and outside one’s house are highly recommended.

Aedes are container breeders — they can lay their eggs in small containers and need just a tiny bit of water to hatch. They live in and around houses and like crowded urban areas where spraying is difficult. Spraying insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes cannot wipe out Aedes. They lay their eggs right above the water line in a small container, a discarded tire or some trash. So when that container is filled and the water covers the eggs, the eggs hatch. It is important that the inside of a container is scrubbed to kill the eggs. The eggs can survive being dried out, and they stick really well. They're impervious to insecticides or other chemicals. So simply emptying containers regularly does not necessarily get rid of the mosquitoes.

Speaking about the issue, Padma Shri Awardee KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA and President Heart Care Foundation of India said,” One must remember that only 1% of the dengue cases are life-threatening. Most dengue cases can be handled on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization. It is important the formula of 20 to manage dengue fever - If there is a rise in pulse by 20, fall in upper blood pressure by 20, rise in hematocrit by 20 percent, rapid fall in platelets to less than 20,000, platelet count of more than 20 in one inch after tourniquet test and the difference between upper and lower blood pressure is less than 20, then such cases should be given 20 ml of fluid per kg immediately and then shifted to nearest medical center for medical assistance”,

Ways to protect yourself from the bite of the Aedes Aegypti

• ·Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
• Use insect repellent with 20% to 35% of the chemical DEET; more than 35% of the chemical known as diethyltoluamide can irritate skin.
•  Make sure you apply it to all exposed skin.
• Apply insect repellent correctly. Apply sunscreen before repellent, not on top of it.
• Apply and let sunscreen dry before using insect repellent. You want the mosquito to land on the repellent, not your sunscreen.
• Minimize exposed skin and wear light-colored long sleeved shirts and pants. Mosquitoes are drawn to dark colors, floral patterns and sweet perfumes.
• Wear clothing treated with permethrin, a chemical used as an insecticide.
• Treat your own clothes, shoes, tents, etc. with a permethrin spray.
• Sleep under mosquito nets with windows and doors closed or securely screened if there is no air conditioning.

CDC & AAP update recommendations for infants with Zika virus infection

CDC & AAP update recommendations for infants with Zika virus infection

Dr K K Aggarwal

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and have updated recommendations for the clinical evaluation and management of infants suspected of having Zika infection and those who have congenital Zika virus infection. These recommendations followed an expert level meet on July 21 to discuss revisions to the last CDC recommendations, released in February 2016.

The three main areas touched were evaluation of infants with suspected or confirmed congenital Zika virus infection, outpatient care and follow-up for symptomatic infants with congenital Zika virus infection, and outpatient care and follow-up for infants without apparent abnormalities at birth.

Infants suspected to have congenital Zika infection

·         Infection is considered to be possible or confirmed if infant PCR or IgM testing results are positive (final recommendations on this awaited).

·         A comprehensive physical examination should include careful head circumference measurement and assessment of length, weight, and gestational age; and evaluation for neurologic abnormalities, dysmorphic features, liver or spleen enlargement and the presence of rash or other skin lesions.

·         A hearing screen per universal screening and a cranial ultrasound should be done before discharge.

·         The infant should be examined within a month of birth by a pediatric ophthalmologist.

·         A complete blood count to check for thrombocytopenia should be done.

Symptomatic infants with congenital Zika infection

·         Standard precautions should be followed when handling body fluids.

·         Lab work should include CBC and a complete metabolic panel including liver function tests (LFTs).

·         Careful assessment of head circumference, length, and weight at birth, monthly until age 6 months, and then as required. Head circumference in infants with severe microcephaly should be measured from the glabella to the point of the occipital bone. But, one must remember that the head size may be normal in infants with congenital Zika infection.

·         Ophthalmology and hearing screen before discharge; repeat hearing screen at 4 to 6 months of age if normal at birth. If normal ophthalmology screening at birth, it should be repeated at age 3 months, including retinal exam.

·         Head USG before discharge; CT and MRI as needed.

·         Follow up every month; these infants should receive regularly scheduled immunizations. Pertussis-containing immunizations are not contraindicated in children with central nervous system malformations, but uncontrolled seizures may be a precaution for vaccines containing pertussis.

·         Developmental screening at each visit; complete neurological exam to be done at 1 and 2 months and as necessary thereafter.

·         Screen for central hypopituitarism/hypothalamic dysfunction

·         These infants should be under the care of multidisciplinary team.

 (Source: Medscape)

ZIKA IMA Stand Update

ZIKA IMA Stand Update 

Dr K K Aggarwal • Zika, a viral infection causes fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes. It spreads mainly through the bite of Aedes mosquito. But the infection can also spread from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby, and through anal, oral or vaginal sex. • If acquired during pregnancy it can cause microcephaly in fetus. If one is not pregnant or not planning to get pregnant, it is likely to be harmless. • Zika has been reported from Central and South America, Mexico, Pacific Islands, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Africa, Southeast Asia. No cases have been reported in India yet. • Most (80%) people infected with Zika have no or only mild symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually occur 2 to 12 days after being bitten by a mosquito that has the virus. • It can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome. • If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, avoid traveling to countries with ongoing Zika virus transmission. • There is no specific treatment. Treatment involves rest, drink plenty of fluids and paracetamol. Do not take aspirin. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome. • There is no vaccine for Zika virus infection. • To prevent Zika infection, stay inside when the aedes are most active. They bite during the daytime, in the very early morning, and in the few hours before sunset. Buildings with screens and air conditioning are safest. Wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when you go outside. Wear bug spray or cream that contains DEET or a chemical called picaridin. Do not use DEET on babies younger than 2 months. Use bug repellants that have a chemical permethrin on your clothes and gear. Drain any standing water. Avoid mosquito bites if you have already gotten Zika to stop further spread. • If you have been to a country where there is Zika virus, you should not donate blood for at least 4 weeks afterwards. • Travellers returning from areas with Zika virus transmission should abstain from or have only protected sex for at least 8 weeks. Couples planning to conceive should also wait 8 weeks—or 6 months if the male partner has symptoms of the virus. Previously, IMA recommended abstinence or protected sex for 4 weeks following a person’s return from an area where Zika is circulating. All Indian athletes and visitors attending this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 should use condoms while in Rio and for 8 weeks after returning home. • WHO had already ruled out any change in timing or the location of the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. However, WHO is reportedly reconsidering the rescheduling of the Olympic Games. It has asked a panel of experts to consider whether the Rio Summer Olympics should be held as scheduled due to concerns it could spread the Zika virus. Unnecessary risk is posed when 500,000 foreign tourists from all countries attend the Games, potentially acquire that strain and return home to places where it can become endemic. In the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, there was a threat of deadly dengue virus • IMA has warned all those travelling to Brazil to take precautions against mosquito bites, and have said pregnant women should avoid areas where Zika is circulating, including Rio de Janeiro.

Indian Medical Association raises awareness about Zika Virus amongst the public and the medical fraternity

Indian Medical Association raises awareness about Zika Virus amongst the public and the medical fraternity

Zika, a viral infection causes fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes. It spreads mainly through Aedes mosquito bites. But can also spread from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby, and through anal, oral or vaginal sex.  If acquired during pregnancy it can cause microcephaly in foetus. If one is not pregnant or not planning to get pregnant it is likely to be harmless. 

Zika is seen in Africa, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central and South America, Mexico, Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. No cases have yet been reported in India. Most (80%) people infected with Zika have no or only mild symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually happen 2 to 12 days after being bitten by a mosquito that has the virus. The Zika Virus is notorious and can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Raising awareness, Dr SS Agarwal – National President IMA & Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is recommended that you avoid traveling to countries where the Zika virus is present. There is no specific treatment for the Zika virus and patients must take rest, drink plenty of fluids & have Paracetamol to control their fever. It is important to remember that you must not take aspirin. In children, aspirin can trigger a serious condition called the Reye syndrome.”

To prevent getting Zika virus, one must stay inside when the aedes are most active. They bite during the daytime, very early in the morning, and in hours before sunset. Buildings with screens and air conditioning are safest. Wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when you go outside. Wear bug spray or cream that contains DEET or a chemical called picaridin. Do not use DEET on babies younger than 2 months. On your clothes and gear, use bug repellants that have a chemical permethrin. Drain any standing water. Avoid mosquito bites if you have already gotten Zika to stop it from further spreading.

If you have been to a country where people are infected with the Zika virus, you should not donate blood for at least 4 weeks afterwards. There is no vaccine for Zika virus infection.

Travellers returning from areas with Zika virus transmission should abstain from or have only protected sex for at least eight weeks. Couples planning to conceive should also wait eight weeks—or six months if the male partner has symptoms of the virus. Previously, IMA recommended abstinence or protected sex for four weeks following a person’s return from an area where Zika is circulating. All Indian athletes and visitors attending this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 should use condoms while in Rio and for eight weeks after returning home.

WHO has already ruled out any change in timing or the location of the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In last common wealth games that took place in India there was a threat of the deadly dengue virus.  Unnecessary risk is posed when 500,000 foreign tourists from all countries attend the Games, potentially acquire that strain, and return home to places where it can become endemic.

IMA has warned to all those travelling to Brazil to take precautions against mosquito bites and have said pregnant women should avoid areas where Zika is circulating, including Rio.

ZIKA and Indian Athletes going to Brazil Olympics

Zika, a viral infection causes fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes. It spreads mainly through aedes mosquito bites. But can also spread from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby, and through anal, oral or vaginal sex. 

If acquired during pregnancy it can cause microcephaly in foetus. If one is not pregnant or not planning to get pregnant it is likely to be harmless. 

ZIKA and Indian Athletes going to Brazil Olympics

Dr KK Aggarwal

Zika is seen in Africa, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central and South America, Mexico, Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. No cases have yet been reported in India.

Most (80%) people infected with Zika have no or only mild symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually happen 2 to 12 days after being bitten by a mosquito that has the virus.

It can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome.

If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant avoid traveling to countries where there is Zika virus.

There is no specific treatment. Treatment involves rest, drink plenty of fluids & paracetamol. Do not take aspirin. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome.

For prevention stay inside when the aedes are most active. They bite during the daytime, in the very early morning, and in the few hours before sunset. Buildings with screens and air conditioning are safest. Wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when you go outside. Wear bug spray or cream that contains DEET or a chemical called picaridin. Do not use DEET on babies younger than 2 months. On your clothes and gear, use bug repellants that have a chemical permethrin. Drain any standing water. Avoid mosquito bites if you have already gotten Zika to stop further spread.

If you have been to a country where there is Zika virus, you should not donate blood for at least 4 weeks afterwards. There is no vaccine for Zika virus infection.

Travellers returning from areas with Zika virus transmission should abstain from or have only protected sex for at least eight weeks. Couples planning to conceive should also wait eight weeks—or six months if the male partner has symptoms of the virus. Previously, IMA recommended abstinence or protected sex for four weeks following a person’s return from an area where Zika is circulating. All Indian athletes and visitors attending this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 should use condoms while in Rio and for eight weeks after returning home.

WHO has already ruled out any change in timing or the location of the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In last common wealth games also in India there was a threat of deadly dengue virus.  unnecessary risk is posed when 500,000 foreign tourists from all countries attend the Games, potentially acquire that strain, and return home to places where it can become endemic.

IMA has warned to all those travelling to Brazil to take precautions against mosquito bites, and have said pregnant women should avoid areas where Zika is circulating, including Rio.