ZIKA Update: 72 Zika cases detected in Jaipur; Centre asks states to intensify vector control steps

Zika is caused by aedes aegy mosquito which also transmits dengue and chikungunya and breeds in open stagnant water.

Twelve new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur Monday, taking the total number of infected people to 72.

"Sixty out of the total 72 patients are healthy after treatment," a Rajasthan health department official said.

Most of the cases have been reported from Shastri Nagar area in Jaipur where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus, he said.

So, far door-to-door survey of 96,000 households has been conducted in Shastri Nagar and neighbouring localities. Mosquito larvae was found in the area, the officer said.

The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar.

The Zika virus causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected.

Read Also: 1st Case of Zika Virus Reported in Rajasthan, Authorities on Alert

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the World Health Organisation (WHO) notification since November 18, 2016.