Health Minister Holds High-Level Meeting On Zika Virus

29 January, New Delhi

Union Health Minister J P Nadda Friday took stock of the situation arising from recent cases of Zika virus being reported from some countries.

At a high-level meeting comprising senior officials from the Health Ministry and AIIMS, the Minister directed that a technical group be constituted with immediate effect which would monitor the situation and advise on necessary steps that needed to be taken.

”We are closely monitoring the situation and all necessary steps have been initiated to ensure that India is well prepared in case of any eventuality,” the Minister said after the meeting.

”We are focusing on especially strengthening the surveillance system,” he added.

Aedes mosquito which transmits dengue also transmits Zika virus.

Mr Nadda emphasised that there should be an increased focus on prevention to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito that breeds in clean water.

”Community awareness plays an instrumental role in this regard. There is a need for greater awareness among the community,” the Health minister said.

Among those present in today’s meeting were Health Secretary B P Sharma, Dr Jagdish Prasad, DGHS and senior officer of the ministry, an official statement here said.