Current Context : Union Health Ministry Issues Advisory to States in view of Zika virus cases from Maharashtra.
ABOUT ZIKA VIRUS
- Zika is an Aedes mosquito borne viral disease like Dengue and Chikungunya.
- It is a non-fatal disease.
- Zika is associated with microcephaly (reduced head size) of babies born to affected pregnant women which makes it a major concern.
- India reported first Zika case from Gujarat State in 2016.
- There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent Zika virus infection.