Another Zika virus case has been recorded in Thiruvananthapuram, reaching a total of infections to 15.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Saturday that the state capital had yet another Zika virus positive case. The overall number of Zika virus infection cases has now reached 15.

The sample was collected from a 40-year-old man in Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram district, and sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Alappuzha, where the result was positive, according to the minister on Saturday evening.

However, the minister stated that the other 43 samples sent to the institute were found to be negative.

In response to the outbreak, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated at a press conference on Saturday that the situation is under control. He urged people to take preventive measures to combat the mosquito problem.

He stated that it was not surprising given that it is spread by the Aedes Aegypte mosquito, which causes dengue and chikungunya.

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which bites during the day. Aedes mosquitos are responsible for the transmission of dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

The CM requested that people observe weekends as dry days, when complete lockdown is in effect across the state. People are asked to clean the areas around their homes on these days.

He told reporters that vector control units at the district and state levels would be strengthened.

The state has been placed on high alert after the number of cases due to the mosquito-borne disease increased to 14 on Friday, following the confirmation of 13 additional samples by the NIV.

Following this, the Centre dispatched a team of experts to monitor the situation and assist the state government in case management.

Among those infected is a 24-year-old pregnant woman who was diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease on Thursday, making her the state’s first infected person.

The State government announced on Friday that 13 of the 19 samples sent to the Pune-based institute tested positive for Zika.

The symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever, including fever, rashes, and joint pain.

The health minister announced on Friday that an action plan has been developed to combat the spread of Zika.

If pregnant women have a fever, they should get tested, she said at a meeting of the District Medical Officers (DMOs).

Following the Zika virus outbreak, the Coimbatore district administration increased vehicle checks on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border on Saturday.

Official sources said that vigilance was maintained at 14 strategic points and checkpoints in Walayar and Meenakshipuram.

According to sources, e-passes have been required for those entering the district from Kerala since the spread of Covid-19.

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker