Posted by Karnataka has recorded its first case of the Zika virus. A five-year-old girl from Raichur tested positive for the virus. Health minister Sudhakar said that the government was taking all precautionary measures and was monitoring the situation.
In Short
- Karnataka recorded its first case of Zika virus
- A five-year-old girl from the Raichu district tested positive for the virus
- Health minister Sudhakar said that the situation was under control and being monitored
By Nagarjun Dwarakanath: The first case of Zika virus in Karnataka has emerged. A five-year-old girl from Raichur district was infected with the Zika virus and has tested positive, said health minister K Sudhakar. He added that the government was taking all precautionary measures.
According to the lab report from Pune, a 5-year-old girl in Karnataka’s Raichur tested positive for the Zika virus and has been advised to take precautionary measures.
Minister Sudhakar said, “This is the first case in the state and the government is monitoring the situation very carefully. Our department is well prepared to handle it.”
“We have got a lab report from Pune about the confirmed case of Zika virus. On December 5, it was processed and reported on December 8. Three specimens were sent out of which two were negative and one was positive, which is a five-year-old girl. We are keeping a vigil,” Sudhakar said in response to a question on the Zika virus case in Raichur.
ZIKA VIRUS IN INDIA
Speaking to reporters, he pointed out that a few months ago Zika virus cases were found in Kerala, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
“This is the first confirmed case in Karnataka. It came to light when the serum was subjected to Dengue and Chikungunya test. Usually 10 per cent of such samples are sent to Pune for test, out of which this has come across as positive,” the Minister said.
He further said that the government was maintaining caution and necessary instructions had been given to surveillance (Health department) officials in Raichur and neighbouring districts to send samples for Zika virus tests in case any suspected infection cases are found in any hospitals.
WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS?
The Zika virus disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit infections like Dengue and Chikungunya. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon or evening.
For the majority of people, Zika virus infection is not a serious issue. But it can be very dangerous among pregnant women, especially for foetuses. The infection can cause microcephaly (a brain disability condition) or other conditions called congenital Zika syndrome.
Further noting that no other fresh cases of Zika virus have been found so far in the state and there is no need for any worry, the minister said that the government was monitoring the situation with caution.