Conducted Under IEEE MTT-S Chapter
ABV-Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior
Virology & Genomic Research
CH11187

Zika Virus Research in India: Surveillance, Lineages & Outbreaks

Join this webinar to explore the latest research on Zika virus in India, including nationwide surveillance findings, genetic lineage analysis, and insights from recent outbreaks in Kerala.

25th October 2025
6:30 PM (GMT+5:30)
00 Days
00 Hours
00 Minutes
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Register Now - Free

About This Webinar

This webinar presents groundbreaking research on Zika virus in India, featuring comprehensive surveillance data, genetic analysis of recent outbreaks, and implications for public health policy and vector control strategies.

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Nationwide Surveillance

Comprehensive analysis of Zika and Dengue vector surveillance across India, revealing important insights about the absence of American lineage ZIKV transmission.

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Genetic Lineage Analysis

Detailed genomic examination of Zika virus strains from recent outbreaks, investigating whether Zika is re-emerging as a distinct genetic lineage in India.

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Outbreak Investigation

In-depth study of the recent Zika outbreak in Kerala, with implications for public health response, vector control strategies, and future pandemic preparedness.

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Research Focus Areas

This webinar covers cutting-edge research in ZnO nanotechnology, exploring novel synthesis routes, advanced characterization techniques, and transformative applications in next-generation micro and nanoelectromechanical systems.

MEMS/NEMS Sensors
Ultra-sensitive pressure, acceleration, and force sensors with ZnO nanostructures
Piezoelectric Devices
Energy harvesting and mechanical-electrical transduction applications
Chemical & Biosensors
High-performance gas detection and biomedical sensing platforms

Key Technology Domains

MEMS
Microsystems
NEMS
Nanosystems
Sensors
Detection

Featured Speaker

Dr. N. Pradeep Kumar
Dr. N. Pradeep Kumar
Former Director Grade Scientist & Vector-borne Diseases Research Lead

Dr. N. Pradeep Kumar is a renowned virologist and public health researcher with extensive expertise in arbovirus surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and outbreak investigation. He has led multiple nationwide surveillance programs for vector-borne diseases in India.

His groundbreaking research on Zika virus transmission patterns and genetic evolution has provided critical insights into the epidemiology of emerging arboviruses in the Indian subcontinent. Dr. Kumar's work has significantly influenced public health policies and vector control strategies.

Molecular Virology
Epidemiology
Vector Surveillance
Genomic Analysis
15+
Years Experience
50+
Publications
10+
Research Projects
5
Patents

Research Focus

Dr. Kumar's research focuses on understanding the transmission dynamics, genetic evolution, and ecological determinants of arboviruses in India. His work on Zika virus has revealed important patterns about its introduction, spread, and establishment of distinct genetic lineages in the Indian subcontinent.

Webinar Curriculum

A comprehensive exploration of Zika virus research in India, covering surveillance findings, genetic analysis, and implications for public health policy

Introduction to Zika Virus: Global Context and Indian Scenario

Historical overview of Zika virus | Global spread and pandemic | Introduction to the Indian context | Significance of arbovirus surveillance in tropical regions.

Nationwide Surveillance Methodology

Design and implementation of vector surveillance programs | Sampling strategies across diverse ecological zones | Laboratory techniques for virus detection | Data collection and management protocols.

Key Findings: Absence of American Lineage ZIKV

Analysis of surveillance data | Comparison with global strains | Implications for understanding ZIKV transmission patterns | Public health significance of these findings.

Recent Outbreak in Kerala: Epidemiological Investigation

Timeline and spread of the outbreak | Case identification and characterization | Risk factors and transmission dynamics | Public health response and containment measures.

Genetic Analysis of Zika Virus Strains

Genomic sequencing techniques | Phylogenetic analysis methods | Comparison of Indian strains with global variants | Evidence for distinct genetic lineages in India.

Evolutionary Patterns and Emergence of Distinct Lineages

Molecular clock analysis | Rate of evolution and mutation patterns | Factors driving viral evolution | Implications for vaccine development and diagnostic tests.

Clinical Implications and Public Health Response

Spectrum of clinical manifestations | Complications and sequelae | Diagnostic challenges in co-circulation with Dengue | Strategies for case management and surveillance.

Vector Control Strategies and Challenges

Primary vectors and their distribution | Effectiveness of control measures | Insecticide resistance monitoring | Integrated vector management approaches.

Future Research Directions and Preparedness

Gaps in current knowledge | Research priorities for Zika virus in India | Pandemic preparedness planning | International collaboration opportunities.

Policy Implications and Q&A Session

Recommendations for public health policy | Strategies for strengthening surveillance systems | Interactive discussion with participants | Career guidance in virology research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the American lineage Zika virus?
The American lineage Zika virus refers to the strain that caused the 2015-2016 pandemic in the Americas, associated with severe complications including microcephaly in newborns. Our research found no evidence of this specific lineage in India, which has important implications for understanding the global spread and evolution of Zika virus.
How was the nationwide surveillance conducted?
We implemented a systematic vector surveillance program across multiple states in India, collecting mosquito samples from diverse ecological zones. These samples were analyzed using molecular techniques including RT-PCR and genomic sequencing to detect and characterize Zika virus strains.
What did the Kerala outbreak reveal about Zika virus in India?
The recent outbreak in Kerala provided crucial evidence that Zika virus may be establishing distinct genetic lineages in India. Our genomic analysis revealed unique mutations and evolutionary patterns that differentiate Indian strains from those circulating in other parts of the world.
What are the public health implications of this research?
Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance systems, improved diagnostic capabilities, and targeted vector control strategies. Understanding the distinct genetic lineages helps in developing appropriate public health responses and preparedness plans for future outbreaks.
How does Zika virus co-circulation with Dengue affect diagnosis?
Co-circulation of Zika and Dengue viruses presents diagnostic challenges due to serological cross-reactivity. Molecular diagnostic methods are essential for accurate differentiation. Our research emphasizes the importance of genomic surveillance for distinguishing between these arboviruses.
What control strategies are most effective against Zika virus?
Integrated vector management combining environmental management, chemical control, and community engagement has shown the most effectiveness. Our research also highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring for insecticide resistance and adapting strategies accordingly.
Are there any specific at-risk populations in India?
Pregnant women remain the most vulnerable group due to the risk of congenital complications. Our research also identifies populations in tropical regions with high Aedes mosquito density as particularly at risk, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive measures.
Will certificates be provided to participants?
Yes, all participants who attend the webinar will receive a certificate of participation from the organizing institution, recognizing their engagement with this important public health research.

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Join us to explore the latest research on Zika virus in India and its implications for public health policy and outbreak response.

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    Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals

    This research contributes to achieving multiple UN SDG targets through advanced virology surveillance that enhances public health outcomes, epidemic preparedness, and scientific innovation.

    Primary Focus

    SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

    Key Target:
    Target 3.3: Combat communicable diseases and end epidemics

    Advanced virology surveillance and research contributes directly to combating Zika virus outbreaks, reducing disease burden, and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

    SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    Key Target:
    Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities

    Genomic surveillance technologies and molecular diagnostics represent innovative approaches to public health challenges, supporting technological advancement in healthcare infrastructure.

    SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

    Key Target:
    Target 17.6: Knowledge sharing and cooperation for access to science

    This research involves collaborations between multiple institutions and international partners, promoting knowledge sharing and cooperation in virology research and public health response.

    How This Research Contributes to Global Goals

    Disease Prevention

    By understanding Zika virus transmission patterns and genetic evolution, this research enables more effective prevention strategies, early warning systems, and targeted public health interventions to combat arboviral diseases.

    Scientific Advancement

    The development of advanced surveillance methodologies and genomic analysis techniques contributes to scientific innovation and strengthens global health security against emerging infectious diseases.