Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : November 19, 2018 4:29 PM IST
Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. © Shutterstock.
Many Zika virus cases have been reported in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh so far, thus the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will soon undertake trials of the indigenously developed vaccine against the deadly virus. According to the Hindustan Times report, a senior official reportedly said that to establish the efficacy and safety of the vaccine along with its adverse effects the ICMR will undertake a phase-II trial of the vaccine.
The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, vaccines manufacturer has developed a vaccine, which they claim will provide protection against infection caused by an Asian Zika virus strain as well as by the African Zika virus strain, the official said.
Reportedly, the official also said that the company had developed the vaccine around two years ago. At that time they did not have an outbreak of Zika in India as it was only restricted to Latin America. Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito and also there is a breakout in some states. Vector control is one of the most challenging work. Thus the vaccine, if its efficacy is proved, is a better strategy.
He also informed that the process for regulatory approvals to carry out the trial will be initiated soon.
Dr Balram Bhargava, director general of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reportedly said that they are in a discussion with Bharat Biotech, but the approval is not in place yet. It has to go through the drug controller too. In any case, the trial will happen only next year. This year, the cases are almost over.
Two persons, who tested positive for the Zika virus, died in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal district while the number of people suffering from the disease has crossed 120 in the state.
The deceased an 18-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman -- were suffering from the virus and other "serious" diseases. Therefore, it cannot be said they died due to Zika, officials had clarified.
The virus has infected 127 people, out of which 40 are pregnant women, the officials said.
People have tested positive for the Zika virus in seven districts of Madhya Pradesh. This includes 44 cases reported from Bhopal, 20 from Sehore, 29 from Vidisha, two each from Sagar and Hoshangabad, and one each from Narsinghpur and Raisen.
To replicate measures and the action plan implemented in Jaipur and Ahmedabad to contain the disease, a central team is reviewing the situation and assisting the Madhya Pradesh government, the senior official said.
So far Rajasthan has reported 159 cases of Zika infections.
The first case surfaced on September 22, when an 85-year-old woman tested positive for the virus in Jaipur. Since then, the number of Zika cases increased to 153 in Rajasthan.
An intensive screening exercise is being undertaken and vector control measures have been intensified in Madhya Pradesh. To take steps to check mosquito breeding the government has also issued an advisory to district administrations.
The state health department has advised pregnant women not to visit the affected areas.
The Zika virus, transmitted through the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as the mother can pass the infection to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth leading to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than normal.
The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although under the WHO notification it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
