Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'WHO declares Zika as no more dangerous' that was published in Newsband

WHO declares Zika as no more dangerous

The World Health Organization had declared the Zika virus as a public health emergency on February 1, considering the high number of neurological disorders reported in Brazil and French Polynesia in 2014. Among the reasons cited were the unknown causal link between the virus and microcephaly and neurological complications, the possibility of its global spread, lack of vaccines and diagnostic tools, and the lack of immunity to the virus in newly affected countries.

The link between Zika and microcephaly was established in May. Scientists have been able to find the routes of transmission. So now the WHO has declared that the Zika virus no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. However, the WHO Emergency Committee has called for sustained research and dedicated resources to address the long-term challenges posed by babies born with microcephaly.

We can heave a sigh of relief that Zika virus no more constitutes international health emergency with the menace of microcepaly taking Brazil as the most affected country. Lack of vaccines and diagnostic tools had made the disease dreadful which could affect generations. But the contagious Zika is now well under control, yet there should be effort to carry out research on Zika virus and sharing of medical information and remaining continuously vigilant.

Zika virus had spread to many parts of the world and WHO had to call upon all the nations of the world to unite to eradicate the virus. India also needs to be prepared in the sense that this epidemic should somehow be prevented from entering our country. Till today, it is an "other countries problem". The inevitability of Zika's arrival and transmission has not yet been sensed by the academic and public health community. As Dengue and Chikungunya are present in the country, another virus transmitted by the same mosquito can easily establish itself here.

The country needs to review its preparations to face this virus. Preparations needed extend beyond vector control and diagnostics. What do we do to support the mildly affected? What are the rehabilitative measures to be put in place? How will the family be supported financially? What is the current situation of microcephaly and Gullian Barrie syndrome incidence? What will be the Indian guidelines for patient management? All these questions should be considered.