Zika Virus Alert in Kannur: Local Court Employee Tests Positive, Health Department Initiates Precautionary Measures

In a concerning development, an employee of a local court at the District Complex in Thalassery, Kannur, has tested positive for the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne viral infection. The confirmation came after a blood sample from the employee was tested at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Alappuzha. As a precautionary measure, health authorities have initiated a massive cleaning drive at the court premises to eliminate mosquitoes.

While the virus has caused uneasiness, fever, itching, and body pain among nearly 55 individuals, including judicial officers, court staff, and lawyers, health officials urge calm, stating that most patients recover within a week. Pregnant women are considered more susceptible to the infection. The incubation period for the virus is between three to 14 days, and severe cases leading to fatalities are rare, according to the District Medical Officer (DMO) MP Jeeja.

Following reports of illness among court employees and legal professionals, three local courts within the district court complex at Thalassery temporarily ceased operations for two days. Medical inspections were carried out on affected individuals, and blood samples were sent to the NIV laboratory to confirm the infection. While additional sessions courts and the principal sub-court remained closed for further assessment, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions.