Kerala health dept gears up to contain Zika virus spread

Kerala Health Minister Veena George formulated an action plan to contain the spread of the Zika virus by calling an emergency meeting. The state health department also demanded the cooperation of the public for preventive measures.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala health department has stepped up preventive measures to contain the spread of the Zika virus after 15 more people in the state were confirmed to be infected with the disease. The state health department has prepared a special action plan following which an emergency facility will be set up for sample testing. Zika testing facilities will be set up at Thiruvananthapuram Public Health Lab, Kozhikode Medical College and the National Institute of Virology, Alappuzha.

The risk of contracting the Zika virus is high in pregnant women. The virus can seriously affect the development of the fetus' brain. Therefore, the department of health has recommended that all pregnant women with symptoms be tested for the virus. According to an official statement, the Zika virus is estimated to affect pregnant women for up to four months. Therefore, it has been recommended that pregnant women who have been pregnant for up to five months be tested for the Zika virus.

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In Thiruvananthapuram, all those who were diagnosed with the disease had symptoms of red eyes, fever and red spots on the skin. Therefore, the Department of Health aims to screen those with symptoms as soon as possible. It is still unknown about the origin of the virus or how it reached the state.

Nineteen samples were tested at the Institute of Virology, Pune. Of these, 15, including 14 employees of private hospitals were confirmed to be infected with the Zika virus. All of them come to work from different places. Therefore, it is not clear how far the infection has spread. Immediate action will be taken after examining the various areas of the city where the patients lived and their travel history.

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In addition, a 24-year-old woman was diagnosed with the disease during a hospital examination. Surveillance and preventive measures have been intensified in the Nandankode area where the woman lived and in her hometown, Parashala. On Thursday, 17 samples were sent from these areas for testing.

The only way to prevent the spread of the disease is to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. The health department also suggested that pregnant women should be protected from mosquito bites. Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact. Strong preventive measures will be taken focusing on areas and hospitals where the disease is likely to be reported. An alert has been issued across the state.

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