No Zika virus case reported in India

No Zika virus case has been reported so far in India but there is a need to remain alert and vigilant, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who will be holding a review meeting tomorrow in New Delhi. "There is no need to panic but we should remain alert and vigilant," Nadda said today. He, along with Health Secretary, is personally monitoring the situation from all the states, the Minister said. "Tomorrow itself, I will take a review (on the steps taken for preventing entry and transmission of the virus in India)", he added. Asked if India is "well-prepared" to deal with any such cases, he said, "Yes". Nadda noted that India has already come out with detailed guidelines for combating the disease, including travel advisory that asks pregnant women to either defer or cancel their travel to the affected areas. "We are implementing the guidelines," he added. Advisories have already been given to all respective departments, Nadda said, adding "We are taking every stakeholder on board. We are in touch with states also". The Health ministry said last week all international airports and ports will display signage with information on the disease. Travellers will be asked to report to Customs if they are returning from affected countries and suffering from febrile illness. Zika virus, which is carried by mosquito and suspected to cause serious birth defects, has affected many countries in the Americas.