Zika Virus Makes Its Way to Karnataka With First Confirmed Case In 5-Year-Old Girl

Karnataka reports its first case of Zika virus infection in a 5-year-old girl from Raichur. Health Minister Sudhakar assured that the government is taking all necessary measures and closely monitoring the situation.

Summary

• Karnataka records 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

The first case of Zika virus in Karnataka has been confirmed in a 5-year-old girl from Raichur district. Health Minister K Sudhakar assured that the government is taking all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus and is closely monitoring the situation.

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 preventive 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 tests. Usually, 10 percent of such samples are sent to Pune for a 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 neighboring districts to send samples for Zika virus tests in case any suspected infection cases are found in any hospitals.

WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS?

Zika virus is a viral infection that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is typically mild and symptoms usually last for a few days to a week. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific.

The virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which bites primarily during the daytime. These mosquitoes are also the same mosquitoes that transmit the dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Additionally, the Zika virus can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or around the time of birth. It can also be transmitted through blood transfusion and sexual contact.

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not well defined but is likely to be a few days to a week.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.

However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus infection.

To prevent Zika virus infection, people should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in well-screened or air-conditioned rooms.

Furthermore, people should take measures to decrease the breeding of mosquitoes by removing standing water from areas around their homes.

Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission if possible. If travel is absolutely essential, they should talk to their healthcare provider and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.