Delhi: The chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), Dr NK Arora on Tuesday said that the country should be “ready to fight” the Zika virus in case of an “outbreak” after a 5-year-old girl from Karnataka tested positive earlier in the day.
“Zika virus is something which is something like a priority virus for which both preventive measures have to be taken. There are efforts now to develop a Zika vaccine in this country and we are hopeful we will be among the first few countries where the vaccine will be available,” said Arora.
“We should be ready in any case of an outbreak or difficulty because if pregnant women get infected, the foetus can be affected also,” NTAGI Chief added.
Earlier in the day, according to a Pune lab report, a 5-year-old girl in Karnataka tested positive for the Zika virus and has been advised to take precautionary measures.
Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar, same day said, “This is the first case in the state and the government is monitoring the situation very carefully. Our department is well prepared to handle it”.
