BHOPAL: Nearly 5 lakh people are under scanner as Zika has spread in seven districts of Madhya Pradesh. The virus has infected 127 people, out of which 40 are pregnant women. People have tested positive for the Zika virus in Bhopal, Sehore, Vidisha, Sagar, Hoshangabad, Narsingpur and Raisen districts.
A central team is reviewing the situation and assisting the state government to replicate measures. In Madhya Pradesh an intensive screening exercise is being undertaken and vector control measures have been intensified. The government has also issued an advisory to district administrations to take steps to check mosquito breeding. Blood samples are already sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune. Results are still awaited for the confirmation of Zika virus stains. According to health department, nearly 5 lakh people of seven districts are under scanner. The department is taking special surveillance of the affected notified areas.
Under the Zika Action Plan in Madhya Pradesh, teams are conducting house-tohouse surveys, supervising anti-larval measures, tracking fever cases and conducting mosquito studies. The state education department has written to all schools asking them to engage students in the initiative. Joint director (Health) Dr Ajay Baronia said, we would seek supports of students to help to check mosquito breeding. The health department will train students to identify the larvae so that children can spot them in their homes, neighbourhood and schools, he added.
We are working multi-pronged strategies including blood sample collection, observation of other residents in affected areas and mosquito control exercise, said Baronia. The Zika containment zone, having a radius of 3km, has been created in the periphery Char Imli area in the state capital.