Health Minister Veena George said the Zika virus was spread by the Aedes mosquitoes and was usually harmless.
Zika virus has been detected in Kannur in Kerala. (iStock)
After eight cases of the Zika virus were confirmed on Sunday, 5 November, in the Kannur district of Kerala, the Kerala government has said that measures have been intensified to prevent the spread of the virus and that there was no need for any worry.
Advising people to be cautious, state Health Minister Veena George said the virus was spread by the Aedes mosquitoes and was usually harmless.
However, it affects pregnant women and can cause birth defects, such as microcephaly in the foetus, the minister said in a release issued by the Health Department.
The department advised that children and the elderly should be especially careful not to get bitten by mosquitoes.
The Zika virus infections were reported from the Thalassery District Court in Kannur, it said.
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, 4 November.
Following that, the district administration intensified preventive steps by monitoring pregnant women in the area and issuing alerts and guidelines to all health institutions, including private hospitals, the release said.
The first infection was reported on 30 October, and after that, a medical camp was organised in the area on 1 November, during which 24 samples were collected and sent for testing, it said.
Subsequently, to destroy the source of the Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes, fogging and spraying as well as a larval survey, were carried out, it said.
Additionally, Aedes larvae and mosquitoes were collected and sent to the state’s Department of Entomology, the release said.
Besides these measures, 104 houses near the court were visited by health workers, it said.
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.
What are the 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.
Why pregnant women need to be careful: 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 mode: 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.
Ways to prevent: 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.
Treatment options: 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.
(With PTI inputs)
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