The Karnataka Health Department has been put on high alert following the detection of the Zika virus in the vicinity of Bengaluru. All fever cases in the area are under scrutiny, and preventive measures are being implemented to curb the spread of the virus.
Zika Virus Discovery
The Zika virus was identified in a mosquito in Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, after it was sent for examination in August. As a result, the Karnataka Health Department has issued an alert within a 5-kilometer radius of Talkaebetta, the location from which the infected sample was collected.
Dr. S Mahesh, District Health Officer, explained that a total of 100 samples were collected from various locations in the state. Six of these samples were from Chikkaballapur, with five testing negative and one testing positive. Furthermore, samples from three patients with high fever have been sent for pathological analysis.
Zika Virus Transmission
The Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.
Preventive Measures
The Karnataka Health Department has taken immediate action, conducting mosquito testing in 68 different areas of the state to detect the Zika virus. Additionally, samples were collected from six locations in Chikkaballapura district.
Health authorities have already held special meetings and provided clear directives to address the situation at its early stages. Blood samples from 30 pregnant women and seven individuals with fever symptoms have been collected and sent for testing in Bengaluru. These samples were obtained from villages within a 5-kilometer radius of Talakayala Betta village.
Health officers have conducted on-site assessments in villages such as Venkatapura, Dibburahalli, Bachchanahalli, Vaddahalli, and others to evaluate the situation. The detection of the Zika virus in Chikkaballapura district was confirmed by Dr. Mahesh Kumar, the District Health Officer.
In conclusion, the Karnataka Health Department is actively addressing the Zika virus detection near Bengaluru, implementing rigorous measures to control its spread and conducting testing and surveillance in the affected areas. Public health officials are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.
