Centre formulated action plan for managing Zika Virus disease

     New Delhi, August 01, 2024: Government of India has formulated an action plan for managing Zika Virus disease.

     The plan provides detailed guidance on various public health actions that need to be taken in response to the disease outbreak, and the plan has been widely disseminated, the Centre has said.

     For for the prevention and control of Zika virus disease the Centre provides technical Guidelines for Integrated Vector Management and effective community participation disseminated to the States for implementation.

     Under the National Health Mission, Budgetary support is provided to States and union territories for preventive activities such as provision of domestic breeding checkers, involvement of ASHA, insecticide, fogging machines, training support, awareness activities among others.

     The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is mandated with surveillance and response to 33 plus outbreak prone communicable diseases including the Zika virus. Every State has designated laboratories like District Public Health Laboratories (DPHLs), and State Referral Laboratories (SRLs) under IDSP for investigation and surveillance of these diseases, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sources said.

     The Health Ministry provides technical and financial support to the States and Union Territories through various schemes and programs aimed at improving public health infrastructure and services. Reserving beds in hospitals for Zika patients is done based on its unique needs and circumstances.