Hyderabad: Karnataka has increased surveillance in response to the discovery of Zika virus in a mosquito pool in Chikkaballapura. This virus is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Mosquito samples from Thalakayalbetta village, within the jurisdiction of Dibburahalli Primary Health Centre in Chikkaballapur, tested positive for Zika virus on October 18. Intensive preventive measures have been implemented to contain the disease.
State Health Commissioner Randeep D stated that while the detection in the mosquito pool indicates Zika virus circulation in the district, there’s no need for panic as no human infections have been reported yet. Samples from three individuals with fever symptoms have been sent to NIV Pune for confirmation.
These individuals include a 30-year-old male from Dibburhalli, a 38-year-old female from Thalakayalbetta, and a 50-year-old female from Bachhanahalli. The last patient is scheduled for discharge from Chikkaballapura district hospital on Thursday, while the remaining two are recovering well.
Health officials have been instructed to send serum samples from fever cases with symptoms like red eyes, headache, rashes, muscle, and joint pain lasting for two to seven days to NIV’s state unit for testing. Samples from family members of positive cases should also be tested.
Pregnant women in areas with positive Zika virus findings should have their serum and urine samples collected and sent to NIV for testing due to the potential risks of microcephaly and other congenital anomalies.
Details of deliveries in the last three months at both public and private healthcare facilities in the district are being collected to check for any congenital anomalies. Private practitioners are also being educated about the disease.
According to a Health Department advisory, officials must intensify Aedes larval surveys, source reduction activities, and fever surveillance in urban and rural areas. Containment zones with a five-kilometer diameter should be designated when a human or mosquito pool tests positive for Zika virus. House-to-house visits for Aedes larval and fever surveys should be conducted daily in containment areas.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public that there are currently no human cases of Zika virus disease in the State. He advised anyone with fever or Zika symptoms to seek treatment at the nearest healthcare facility, and for suspected or confirmed cases to isolate, rest, hydrate, and follow precautions.
