Zika Virus In Karnataka's Chikkaballapur Mosquitoes Sparks Vigilance Among Authorities

Recent findings have unveiled the presence of the Zika virus in mosquitoes within Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district, triggering heightened concern regarding its potential spread.

This revelation follows the Zika virus outbreak in Kerala. It's worth noting that Chikkaballapur is a significant source of grapes, with a substantial daily influx of tens of thousands of grapes transported to Kerala, which is the largest consumer market for these fruits.

According to SS Mahesh, the District Health Officer of Chikkaballapur, "We have identified the Zika virus in a mosquito collected from Chikkaballapur, which is adjacent to Bengaluru" as quoted by India Today.

Mahesh further disclosed that the mosquito specimens were gathered for assessment in August, and the Zika virus presence was confirmed in one of these insects. These test results were made public on 25th October as part of a comprehensive statewide initiative.

In total, 100 mosquito samples were collected from various locations within the state, including six from Chikkaballapur. Five of these samples tested negative for the Zika virus, but one yielded a positive result.

In response to this alarming discovery, "an alert has been issued, in a 5-kilometer radius around Talkaebetta", where the infected mosquito was identified in Chikkaballapur.

Furthermore, health officials are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to monitor and evaluate all instances of fever in the area. Samples from three patients who exhibited high fever have been dispatched for comprehensive analysis.

The DHO affirmed that "fortunately, all three patients are currently in stable condition." This development underscores the immediate need for vigilance and further research to contain and combat the Zika virus in the region.

WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS, ITS SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), "Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever."

Pregnant women are more at risk as the WHO adds that, "Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation."

Infected individuals largely do not develop any symptoms. However, those who do, their symptoms typically start 3 to 14 days after infection, the WHO added. Symptoms are "rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache, and usually last for 2-7 days. These symptoms are common to other arboviral and non-arboviral diseases; thus, the diagnosis of Zika virus infection requires laboratory confirmation."

While there is no specific treatment available for Zika virus infection, it is advised that individuals with "symptoms such as rash, fever or joint pain should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided until dengue virus infections are ruled out because of bleeding risk", as per the WHO.