The confirmed number of Zika Virus case being reported in Kerala has reached 15 with one fresh case of the contagion reported today. The figure was confirmed by state health minister Veena George.
Yesterday, George had said that the state has 14 Zika virus cases and added the state government has decided to intensify vector-control activities, and the state health department is on high alert.
“At present, total active cases of Zika virus in Kerala is 14. The first case was that of a pregnant woman. She is from Parassala. She came to the city for her delivery. She delivered a baby and both of them are keeping good. She was found positive,” said the Kerala Health Minister.
She further said, “19 samples were sent to NIV, Pune, and 13 were found positive. Then again we sent 14 samples but all of them have tested negative.”
“We have decided to intensify our vector-control activities and also we have worked on an action plan. Our department is on high alert. We have a plan to manage the infections. We are monitoring the situation very closely,” she added.
Responding to a question on the Central team’s visit to Kerala, George said, “We don’t have any information about their arrival. The state health secretary got a letter that they will be visiting Kerala. We had welcomed them. So at present, there is nothing to worry about.
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. Symptoms typically last for 2–7 days. Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms, as stated by WHO.