India: Zika case count rises to 30 in Kerala, District collector advises public to be vigilant

In Kerala state, India, Health Minister Veena George said two more people in the state have been diagnosed with the Zika virus.

The victims were identified as a 38-year-old resident of Nedunkad and a 52-year-old resident of Anayara, Thiruvananthapuram District.

The District Collector, or District Magistrate has warned people to be vigilant against the mosquito-borne diseases Zika and dengue. Collective action should be taken to avoid mosquito breeding grounds.

The public should be made accustomed to waste disposal and source destruction. The Collector said that everyone should join together to prevent mosquito breeding in the home, surroundings, public places and workplaces. He also said that the coordinated action of various departments for mosquito eradication has been ensured.

The first patient identified in this current Zika virus outbreak was a 24-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted on 28 June 2021 with fever, headache, and rash.

The predominant mode of transmission for Zika virus is through the bites of infected mosquitoes, but the virus can also be transmitted by sexual contact, blood or blood components and possibly other substances of human origin.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy is associated with intrauterine central nervous system infection, congenital malformations and fetal death. Hence, pregnant women are the main risk group and the primary target for preventive measures.