The recent outbreak of Zika virus in Rajasthan will not cause microcephaly, according to experts at the National Institute of Virology, Pune.
Last month, Zika outbreak in Jaipur triggered fears of microcephaly—a congenital malformation resulting in smaller than normal head size for age and sex—as the viral infection during pregnancy is known to cause this neurological condition.
However, scientists from ICMR-NIV have declared that the known mutations linked to fetal microcephaly and the high transmissibility of Zika virus in Aedes mosquitoes are not present in the current Zika virus strain from Rajasthan.
Scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) National Institute of Virology, Pune, have found this through advanced molecular studies of the virus strains. After collecting five strains of the virus (at different points in time during the outbreak in Jaipur), experts did the next generation sequencing to analyse the mutations, according to a statement from the ministry of health and family welfare.
Although the results of the sequencing suggest that the strain does not carry the mutations that lead to the much-feared neurological disorder, it may mutate in the future, or other “unknown factors” may lead to microcephaly or other birth defects, the statement said.
This is by far the biggest outbreak of the Zika virus in India. As of now, out of the 2,000 samples that were tested for the virus, 159 have have been confirmed. Aside from providing testing kits and information materials for awareness, the government is also monitoring all pregnant mothers in the area through the National Health Mission.
Zika virus disease is an emerging disease, currently being reported by 86 countries. Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache.
In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January-February 2017. The second outbreak was reported in July, 2017 from Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu.
