Indian government yet to react to threat of Zika virus

New Delhi: Now, that Zika virus has spread over 25 countries, western nations are taking action for preventions. The US president Barack Obama called for a quick development of tests, vaccines and treatments to fight the virus.

Researchers have predicted the spread of this virus along the East and West coasts of United States during warmer months, where nearly 200 million people live. The Obama government has the reasons to be concerned.

There are 25 countries which have already been infected by Zika. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Zika virus has now spread to Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Paraguay, the US Virgin Islands, Venezuela, among others.

The CDC and the Government of Canada also issued a warning regarding the virus to the ones travelling to the Caribbean countries.

People travelling to Zika infected countries have been asked to protect themselves from the vector mosquitoes and pregnant women have been especially advised to avoid going to such countries until the time the virus is contained.

While the world is acting upon the situation, the Indian health ministry has not come out with any warning or statement regarding the same.

Researchers say the virus can spread through intercourse and most likely blood transfusion. But what is the government doing to prevent the coming Zika. Are the people coming in the country being screened at the airport? Or will the authorities wait till Zika become next Ebola?

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) which was initiated during the Ebola scare should come into action again and screen passengers coming from Zika-affected countries.(Inputs from agencies)(Image-wikipedia)