Coronavirus has not yet been released. Until then, another virus has raised concerns. An alert has been issued for Zika virus infection in Kerala.
Mumbai: Coronavirus has not been released yet. Until then, another virus has raised concerns. An alert has been issued for Zika virus infection in Kerala. So far, 14 cases of Zika virus have been reported in Kerala. Subsequently, the Karnataka government has also issued guidelines for the prevention and spread of Zika. Also for pregnant women, special attention should be paid to such symptoms regarding ‘Zika’ during ultrasound scanning. Pregnant women should be tested for fever.
Vigilance in the neighboring state
A letter issued by the Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare said mosquitoes are more likely to breed as it is the monsoon season. Continuous spraying and cleaning instructions are given. The guidelines issued with it state that –
- Establishment of teams to monitor. Care should be taken at the community and institutional level, in addition to home and personal protection measures.
- Aedes larvae are likely to be found in villages, farms within two kilometers of airports, sea ports, harbors. So it is important to keep an eye on it. Emphasis should be placed on tracing for this.
- In this regard, weekly reports should be sent to the State Government. The districts should coordinate with the health officials of their respective airports.
Symptoms of Zika
Symptoms such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis, joint pain, etc. may be experienced after Zika infection. Find out about travel history and ZVD Suspect contacts and contact information. Samples of suspects should be examined. Should be sent to NIV, Bangalore for investigation. Special attention should be paid to such symptoms during ultrasound scanning for pregnant women. If any of these symptoms are found in a woman, a woman’s serum sample should be taken immediately and sent for examination.
The central team reached Kerala
Meanwhile, a six-member central team of experts has been sent to Kerala to monitor the situation of Zika virus and help the state government in managing these cases. The first case of the disease was reported in a 24-year-old pregnant woman after she was bitten by a mosquito in the state on Thursday. The NIV confirmed 13 more such incidents on Friday, according to the state government. Thus, the total number of cases of Zika virus infection increased to 14 on Friday.
