Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some cases of Zika, Encephalitis and other viruses have been reported in India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has made adequate arrangements for treatment of Zika, Encephalitis and other similar viral diseases in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 287* FOR 12TH JULY, 2019
(a)& (b): Yes . World Health Organization (WHO), on 26th May 2017, has reported 3 cases of Zika Virus disease from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, based on the report by Government of India to them. As on date, the state-wise laboratory confirmed cases of Zika Virus diseases reported since 2016 are as under:
States/UTs 2016 2017 2018
Gujarat 1 2 1
Tamil Nadu 0 1 0
Madhya Pradesh 0 0 130
Rajasthan 0 0 159
Total 1 3 290
(c) & (d) Government of India initiated Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in all States/UTs with the objective to detect and respond to disease outbreaks due to epidemic-prone diseases including Zika and other virus diseases. Weekly data on morbidity for epidemic-prone diseases is collected and analyzed to detect early rising phase of disease outbreaks, which is reported and responded to by trained districts/state level Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
There is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases. The patients are provided symptomatic treatment which is provided in public health facilities. Pregnant women living in areas with Zika transmission or who develop symptoms of Zika virus infection are monitored specifically in view of association of Zika virus disease with microcephaly.
Encephalitis including Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases are monitored through regular surveillance system by National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme. There are various causes for encephalitis but primarily in India major cases relates to JE. Government of India has approved multipronged strategy for
prevention and control of Japanese Encephalitis for the 60 high burden districts of 5 states under which following provision have been made:
• JE vaccination campaign in children (1-15 years) followed by introduction of routine immunization in children of new cohorts with 2 doses of vaccine, one at 9 months age and second at the age of 16-24 months of age.
• Adult JE vaccination in identified districts.
• Strengthening of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation (PMR) Departments in identified Medical Colleges of 5 states.
• Establishment of sentinel sites where JE diagnostic kits are available free of cost.
• Strengthening of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) / Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) activities.
Similarly, for other vector borne diseases, Government of India supports states in terms of surveillance and testing and guide with respect to standard case management guidelines to be followed in case of viral infections.