Zika Diaries: NIV Report Predicts The Possibility Of Presence Of Zika Virus In Gujarat
A recent research paper of the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, ought to alert the Gujarat health department about the possibility of the Zika virus (ZiV) being dormant in the state and waiting for the right opportunity to cause an epidemic.The NIV research paper says that the first indication that the ZiV may be present on the Indian subcontinent was the detection, in as early as 1954, of the virus’s antibodies mostly in Bharuch district (which was then in Bombay State), Gujarat region and in Nagpur . NIV paper says that there was 16.8% prevalence of the virus in 1954.
A senior health official said that this means Gujarat’s population may be vulnerable to any resurgence of ZiV.
The main carrier of the Zika virus is the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which is also responsible for the rapid spread of dengue in Gujarat’s major cities. The research paper written by NIV scientists Devendra Mourya, Pratip Shil, Gajanan Sapkal and Pragya Yadav, was published in the May edition of the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR). This 1954 NIV data is one of the earliest reports about
the Zika virus’s possible presence in Gujarat earlier.The paper states: “The major concern is that, once endemicity is established, ZiV can exist in its natural eco-cycle for a significant period with a potential to emerge as a pathogenic human agent.” “Most people infected with ZiV do not show any specific symptoms. Only, one in five people infected may develop a mild disease, with symptoms lasting till a week. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis,” the NIV research paper says.
