Following the identification of the Zika virus in a mosquito sample in Chikkaballapur district’s Talakayalabetta on Friday, the Karnataka government wrote its official report to the Ministry of Health.

It has been stated in the letter that appropriate control measures were taken, and the situation as a result is under control. The list of measures imposed in the affected area stated in the letter is as follows:

• A 5-kilometer radius around the village of Talakayalabetta, where the virus was initially found, was declared a containment zone to ensure adequate surveillance.

• 53 teams with two members each were formed to survey the 888 houses in the containment zone and for regular screening.

• Five serum samples of the patients with fever symptoms, including those of pregnant women, were collected and submitted to the National Institute of Virology, Bengaluru.

• Anti-mosquito and anti-larvae Pyrethrum sprays were done in indoor spaces.

• Public awareness programs were conducted in the areas under containment

"The government's program division is keeping a close eye on the situation and is providing the required technical support. Additionally, the Health Commissioner released a recommendation on steps that the public and healthcare professionals should take to prevent the Zika virus disease. Overall, the issue has been brought under control," it continued.

Further, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that the health officials are planning actions to take necessary preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.

He added that the virus has not been identified in a human as of now, and still, those with symptoms of fever and illness were isolated and their samples collected for further testing while treatment and monitoring were carried out.

The government advisory stated that the public has to be aware of the illness. The disease has only mild effects in most cases; do not panic, as it is not as deadly as the NIPAH virus. The advisory further stated that those individuals who are suspected or diagnosed should stay in isolation, get enough rest, drink a lot of fluids, and sleep under mosquito nets. It is additionally recommended that pregnant women, especially those living in containment zones, have their serum and urine samples tested for Zika virus antibodies and have ultrasound reports looked at by clinicians for potential congenital defects. This preemptive tactic is vital to defending community health, particularly in affected zones.

(Input from various media sources)

(Rehash/Bharkhavy K V)