Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George said two more people in the state have been diagnosed with the Zika virus. A 35-year-old resident of Poonthura and a 41-year-old resident of Sasthamangalam were admitted to another private hospital. The Poonthura native was diagnosed with the Zika virus during a test conducted at the virology lab of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The Sasthamangalam resident was diagnosed with the Zika virus during a test conducted at a Coimbatore lab. The Zika virus test started at the medical college on Monday. Fifteen samples were tested on the first day. One of them was confirmed to have dengue fever. The test results of the remaining 13 are negative. With this, 21 people in the state have been diagnosed with the Zika virus, she said.
The Minister directed the District Medical Officer to visit the spot and intensify preventive measures. Everyone should keep their home and surroundings clean. Homes, surroundings, and institutions must be protected from waterlogging. Indoor plants and refrigerator drain should be cleaned once a week. The minister said everyone should seek treatment for symptoms such as fever, red spots, muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches.
The health department is on high alert in the wake of the discovery of Zika during Covid. Although the mortality rate is low, Sika infection in pregnant women can lead to genetic defects in infants. This will strengthen testing in pregnant women. The health department has also directed hospitals to conduct clear scans on pregnant women to ensure that their babies do not have any genetic defects.
Zika is caused by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day. Symptoms of syphilis include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, and muscle aches. The health department has advised those with these to be prepared for testing. The symptoms will heal quickly. However, the effects of the virus can last up to three months. The Department of Health warns that those preparing to become pregnant and their partners should take precautions in this regard.
