According to the latest media reports, a new health scare has emerged as the Zika virus has been identified in proximity to the Karnataka state capital, Bengaluru. As a result, all cases of fever are now under scrutiny. This concerning revelation originated from Chikkaballapur, where a sample was submitted for examination in August. Subsequently, the virus was discovered in a mosquito. In response to this detection, an alert was issued within a 5-kilometer radius of Talkaebetta, as the sample had ties to this location.
Dr. S. Mahesh, the District Health Officer, reported the collection of approximately 100 samples from various areas across the state. Of these, six were sourced from Chikkaballapur, with five yielding negative results. However, one sample tested positive, leading to the issuance of an alert.
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During the course of this investigation, three patients exhibiting high fever symptoms had their samples forwarded for pathological analysis. Fortunately, the patients are currently in stable condition. Among the numerous samples gathered during the state-wide operation was the mosquito carrying the virus. The analysis results were made available on October 25.
Understanding the Zika Virus:
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the Zika virus as primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are also known for spreading infections such as Dengue and Chikungunya through their bites. The virus was initially identified in Uganda in 1947, when it was detected in Rhesus macaque monkeys. Subsequently, evidence of infection and disease in humans was found in other African countries in the 1950s.
Symptoms:
According to WHO, Zika virus symptoms include:
- Rash
- Fever
- Conjunctivitis
- Muscle and joint pain
- Malaise
- Headache
It’s important to note that most individuals infected with the Zika virus do not exhibit symptoms. In cases where symptoms do manifest, they generally appear 3 to 14 days after infection and typically last for 2 to 7 days.
In a previous incident last December, a five-year-old girl in Karnataka’s Raichur district was diagnosed with the Zika virus. This prompted government action, including the issuance of safety guidelines to address the situation.