Scientists at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, have raised an alarm about the spread of the Zika virus, along with dengue and chikungunya, across several States and Union Territories where it has never been reported earlier, establishing local transmission in India.
With the monsoon season, scientists have called for urgent strengthening of surveillance, after the circulation of Zika virus was detected in Delhi, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Telangana in 2021, in addition to Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
Previously, sporadic cases were reported from Gujarat (2016-17), Tamil Nadu (2017), Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (2018). The researchers also found co-infection of Zika, dengue and chikungunya, which, they said, was another concern at many places. There was a need to be aware and take preventive measures, they added.
