Bhopal: Health department enhances surveillance following alert on Zika virus

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): After alert over Zika virus sounded by state government, district team of health department has enhanced surveillance in the state capital.

At present, health department teams with malaria department and Bhopal Municipal Corporation are working to destroy mosquito larvae of dengue and malaria. Now, the teams have been instructed to cover areas to prevent spread of Zika virus as the monsoon has set in.

Chief medical and health officer Dr Prabhakar Tiwari said, “We have enhanced ongoing surveillance as per guideline and instructions of health department”.

The malaria department has already carried out an anti-larvae campaign in the state with onset of monsoon. “Main objective is to raise awareness about Zika, dengue and malaria. We have to destroy mosquito larvae,” Dr Tiwari said.

He appealed people not to panic but cooperate with health department teams, which are moving in colonies to destroy mosquito larvae. “In hospitals, our doctors are keeping vigil on symptoms of visiting patients. Our teams have started working on preventive measures,” he added.