On Monday (Dec 12), a five-year-old girl from Karnataka’s Raichur district was confirmed to be infected with the Zika virus, according to state Health Minister K Sudhakar. This is the southern state’s first confirmed case of the disease. The minister reassured the public that the Zika virus does not cause concern because the government is taking all necessary precautions to contain the disease and will issue a set of guidelines as well.
Researchers in the United States discovered that the Zika virus can mutate to become more infectious – and potentially overcome pre-existing immunity. The findings are consistent with the World Health Organization’s warning (WHO).
“We received a lab report from Pune regarding a confirmed case of Zika virus. It was processed on December 5 and reported on December 8. Three specimens were sent out, two of which were negative and one of which was positive, a five-year-old girl. We’re keeping an eye on things “According to PTI, Sudhakar said this in response to a question about the Zika virus case in Raichur.
“This is the state’s first confirmed case. It was discovered after the serum was tested for Dengue and Chikungunya. Typically, 10% of such samples are sent to Pune for testing, with the result being positive “said the Minister.
He stated that the girl had no prior travel experience. The government is on the lookout for possible cases in neighbouring districts.
A 5-year-old girl in Karnataka has tested positive for the Zika virus & has been advised to take precautionary measures. This is first case in state & govt is monitoring the situation carefully. Our dept is well prepared to handle it: State Health Minister K Sudhakar
(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/ZH1n00nYxL
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2022
The Zika virus disease is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transmit Dengue and Chikungunya infections.
The virus was discovered in Uganda in 1947. Noting that no new cases of Zika virus have been discovered in the state thus far, the Minister stated that the government is keeping a close eye on the situation.
What is Zika Virus? Know its symptoms
Following the 2016 outbreak in Brazil, Zika virus (ZIKV) disease (ZVD) is regarded as one of the major public health concerns. This disease is caused by a virus that is primarily transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day, and symptoms include mild fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, or a headache.
The Zika virus is detected in humans using a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction), but no vaccine has been developed to prevent the infection completely.
