Kerala High Court ordered a 2-day closure of the district court at Thalassery after several people complained of fatigue and fever.
Published Nov 05, 2023 | 10:40 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 06, 2023 | 1:57 AM
Zika virus is a flavivirus, which is the same family of viruses that includes dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. (Creative commons)
Several people, including judicial officers, court staff, and lawyers — suffered the same condition: Uneasiness, fatigue, fever, headache, pain in the joints, rashes, and itching — and they silently took medical help until two judges working out of the district court complex at Thalassery in Kerala’s Kannur district, too, fell ill with the same symptoms.
People started speaking about their unpleasant experience after an additional sessions judge and principal sub-judge sought medical treatment earlier this week. Further inquiry revealed that at least 55 people working in the court complex have suffered the same conditions, prompting the High Court of Kerala to order the closure of the court complex for two days on Thursday, 2 November.
The mystery surrounding the “condition” continued until an employee tested positive for Zika, a mosquito-borne viral infection on Saturday.
The Zika-positive sample was one among several blood samples sent to the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha by the Kannur district medical administration.
These blood samples were submitted for virological analysis after several court employees and judicial officers spoke about their experience. Many of them had been enduring these symptoms for more than 10 days.
In response to the health concerns of the two judges, lawyers, and the staff of the three local courts, the Kerala High Court ordered the two-day temporary closure of three local courts, the Additional District Sessions Court 2 and 3, and the Principal Sub-Court.
A medical team led by District Medical Officer Dr MP Jeeja visited the courts and collected around 50 samples from those affected. Out of these samples, 10 were sent to the NIV, with one of them testing positive for Zika on Saturday.
The Health Department also initiated a mosquito eradication drive in the district. The Zika virus can lead to dengue fever and chikungunya.
After identifying the issue as Zika, the health administration implemented vector-control measures on the court premises. Zika is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are prevalent in high numbers throughout the state.
Zika is a flavivirus, which is the same family of viruses that includes dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. Zika is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Symptoms
Many people infected with the Zika virus may not develop any symptoms or they may experience mild symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms, when present, are usually mild and last for several days to a week.
Pregnancy and birth defects
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects in the developing foetus, including microcephaly (a condition where a baby is born with a smaller head and brain) and other neurological abnormalities. Pregnant women must take precautions to avoid exposure to the Zika virus, especially in areas of active transmission.
Transmission
Besides mosquito bites, the Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner. There have been cases of Zika virus transmission through blood transfusion and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Geographic distribution
The Zika virus was initially identified in Uganda in 1947 and was historically found in Africa and Asia. However, it gained significant attention in 2015 when it was linked to a large outbreak in the Americas, including Brazil. It has since been reported in various parts of the world, including Kerala.
Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites is a key measure to reduce the risk of Zika virus infection, especially for pregnant women and individuals living in or travelling to areas with Zika transmission. Safe sexual practices, such as using condoms, can help prevent sexual transmission.
Vaccine and treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus and no vaccine is available. Research into vaccines and treatments for the Zika virus is progressing.
