The outbreak of Zika virus cases in Kerala comes at a time when the corona epidemic is rampant. Symptoms of the Zika virus were first identified in a 24-year-old pregnant woman. Along with her, some other samples were sent to the Pune Virology Lab, where 14 people, including her, were diagnosed with Zika infection.
Zika infection is not very dangerous, but with the advent of new variants that have been mutated for a few years, doctors warn that care must be taken. What is this Zika? What are the symptoms and risks?
The Zika virus was discovered in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys in the Zika forest in Uganda, which has been since found to be transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is named after the forest Zika.
Zika virus first infected humans in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania. Slowly spread to other countries. In 2007 and 2013, some cases were reported in several countries. Later came new variants that muted the virus. Zika became an epidemic in 2015–16 in South America, North America, and the continents of Africa.
The virus is transmitted by the bite of a female Aedes mosquito. Some health experts also say that there is a possibility of sexually transmitted infections.
Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, cough, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Infection of pregnant women can have an effect on the unborn child. Babies are born with a condition called microcephaly.
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for Zika. Common medications are given depending on the symptoms. Research on a vaccine for this virus is ongoing worldwide.
Zika virus is highly dangerous compared to most other types of viruses in pregnant women. It can also spread to unborn babies and cause microcephaly (the brain does not grow properly. The top of the head shrinks), causing other problems.
The World Health Organization has already warned pregnant women and women who are ready to have children to be careful with children under two.
AIIMS sent a team of six experts to the state of Kerala. Union Health Secretary Lav Agarwal said the team would review the situation in Kerala and provide necessary assistance to the state government. The central team includes senior doctors and epidemiologists.
The center is monitoring the situation in Kerala, he said. On the other hand, the Kerala government has taken steps to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. Extensive medical examinations were carried out in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, where the cases were identified.
Now, along with the Third Wave, the Zika virus is ravaging the country in the same range. It has started in Kerala. Neighboring states have been alarmed by the recent re-emergence of Zika in Kerala. The states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have set up check posts at the border.
The pass system is being implemented in Kanyakumari, Nilgiris, and Coimbatore. Entry is permitted only after conducting medical tests.
Authorities are conducting a house survey in Border Villages in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Looking for new people. Special camps are also being set up for those with the Zika virus.
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