In a latest health scare, Zika virus has been detected near the Karnataka capital, latest media reports say. All fever cases are being analysed after the virus was detected near Bengaluru. A sample was sent for examination in August from Chikkaballapur after which the virus was detected in a mosquito. After the detection of the virus an alert was issued in the 5-kilometre of radius of Talkaebetta as the sample belonged from here.
Dr S Mahesh, District Health Officer said that around 100 samples were collected from across the state. Six samples were from Chikkaballapur and five of them were negative. One sample tested positive after which the alert was issued.
There were three patients with high fever and their samples were sent for pathological analysis. The patients are now doing well. Among the several samples collected during the drive throughout the state was also the mosquito that was found carrying the virus. The results of the analysis came on October 25.
What is Zika Virus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. The bite of Aedes mosquitoes is also known to transmit infections like Dengue and Chikungunya.
It was in Uganda in 1947 that the virus was first identified. The virus was detected in Rhesus macaque monkey followed by evidence of infection and disease in humans in other African countries in the 1950s.
Symptoms of Zika Virus
WHO states the below mentioned Zika virus symptoms:
- rash
- fever
- conjunctivitis
- muscle and joint pain
- malaise
- headache
The Global Health Agency states that most people who are infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. Even if symptoms develop, they typically start 3–14 days after infection and the symptoms often last for 2-7 days.
A five-year-old girl was diagnosed with the infection in Karnataka’s Raichur district last December. The government was then prompted to take necessary measures and issue safety guidelines.
