PRELIMS BITS
Current Situation
- Maharashtra reported 140 confirmed cases in 2024, with Pune district as the epicentre.
- Out of India’s 151 cases, Pune alone accounted for 125 cases.
- Previous years had significantly lower numbers: 1 case (2021), 3 cases (2022), and 18 cases (2023).
- No severe complications, such as microcephaly or Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), have been linked to these cases in India.
Transmission Methods
- Primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes found in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Other routes include:
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.
- Sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplants.
Government Response
- The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is monitoring the situation, with a focus on pregnant women.
- An advisory was issued in July 2024 for states to intensify surveillance and monitoring efforts.
Global and Historical Context
- First identified in Uganda (1947) in rhesus monkeys.
- Later found in humans in the 1950s in Africa.
- India’s first recorded case was in Gujarat (2016), followed by outbreaks in several states.
Challenges and Public Awareness
- The WHO highlights underreporting as a concern, with 60-80% of cases being mild or asymptomatic.
- Low awareness among healthcare providers contributes to incomplete reporting.
- Improved public awareness and enhanced reporting mechanisms are crucial for effective management.