Zika virus outbreak: Kerala on high alert

After grappling with constant Covid-19, problems in Kerala are far more over. 14 cases of mosquito transmitted Zika virus have been confirmed in the state. A six member team of vector borne disease experts and doctors from AIIMS has been rushed to Kerala to monitor the situation.

The first case of Zika virus was found in 24-year old pregnant woman in Thiruvananthapuram district, and later 13 others quickly came under the list. Of the 19 samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, 14 were found to be positive. Health minister Veena George later called an emergency meeting and an action plan was formulated immediately.

“We have started a vigorous vector control program and the whole state was alerted. We are monitoring the situation closely and more testing labs will be opened,” said the minister. She also added that there was no need for panic as the woman has no travel history and seems to have been infected by the vector locally.

The area of the initial patient was visited by a surveillance team of to prevent further spread of the virus. The health authorities hope that further viral spread can be curtailed by keeping all patients under close observation as all lived close by. Some of the affected are health workers. “They were all working at a private hospital. We will check their travel history and take immediate action,” said the minister.

According to experts, Zika virus is generally spread by mosquitoes, although it can also be sexually transmitted. The mortality rate associated with the virus is not fatal. One in five people can develop symptoms such as joint pain, fever and headache. The first case of Zika virus in the country was reported in Gujarat in 2017.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 cases in Kerala continue to be on the rise. With a high positivity rate of 10.54, the state is reporting highest Covid 19 cases in the country.