Kerala has been put on high alert after 14 people, including a pregnant woman, were confirmed to be infected with the Zika virus – a mosquito-borne viral infection. At the same time, in view of the increasing cases of Zika virus in Kerala, the neighboring state of Karnataka has issued guidelines to prevent the spread of this disease.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Friday that the state health department has prepared an action plan to contain the spread of Zika virus. Addressing a press conference, the Health Minister said, "The initial results of the investigation indicated a mild effect of the Zika virus. Of the 19 samples sent from Thiruvananthapuram, 13 health workers are suspected to be positive for Zika. Now, all these samples sent to NIV Pune."
Symptoms of the Zika virus are similar to those of dengue, including fever, red skin rash and joint pain, and red eyes. A person infected with Zika virus remains affected for 7 to 8 days. Meanwhile, this virus mostly affects pregnant women. It can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations.
At the same time, the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune was the first to isolate the Zika virus in November 2018. The first case of Zika virus reported in India in January 2017. After that, the cases also reported in Tamil Nadu in July 2017.
