The first case of Zika virus in Karnataka has come to light. A five-year-old girl from Karnataka was confirmed to be infected with the Zika virus on Monday. “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,” said Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar.
Source- CNBC TV18
Caused by a virus transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day, symptoms of this disease include mild fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, or a headache. A mosquito-borne flavivirus had been reported to be associated with the increased incidence of microcephaly, congenital Zika syndrome, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Sudhakar further said that the government was maintaining caution and necessary instructions had been given to surveillance (Health department) officials in Raichur and neighbouring districts to send samples for Zika virus tests in case any suspected infection cases are found in any hospitals.
Since its discovery in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947, several outbreaks of ZVD have been reported from Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. However, if symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.
