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.