Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal, The zika virus is spreading its tentacles in the state along with dengue and chikungunya. So far over 80 suspect cases of zika virus have been reported and the dreaded virus has claimed two lives in the state.
In Bhopal, suspect cases of zika virus have been identified. The suspect cases of zika virus have been reported from Kolar, Gautam Nagar and Avadhpuri.
The infected persons have been discharged from AIIMS after treatment. The authorities are taking action to kill larvae and mosquitoes within three km radius of these colonies.
A micro plan has been prepared by a team of Union government led by Dr Ravindran for the assistance of state government to prevent spread of the virus. Under the plan, samples have been taken by 170 teams in Bhopal, 40 in Vidisha (Sironj) and 15 in Sehore for testing for Zika virus.
The Zika virus infection in Bhopal is assuming a worrying proportion as 24 samples have tested positive within a day, a state government release said on Saturday. Already two patients in the city have succumbed to the infection. At the state level, 85 samples out of 204 samples sent for Zika virus test till date have been found positive.
More worryingly, five cases are of pregnant women, who have been put under strict monitoring considering the fact that the infection may cause severe negative impact on the developing foetus. An infected foetus is likely to develop a rare neurological condition in which the infant’s head is significantly smaller than the heads of other normal children of the same age and sex.
How zika virus spreads
There is substantial evidence that Zika virus is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.The Aedes aegypti mosquito, the species that carries Zika, can bite four or five people in the course of one blood meal, meaning it can spread disease quickly.The primary concern over Zika is its suspected link to a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head, which can lead to mental retardation and other complications.Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes bite during the day and night.
How to prevent zika
- Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites.
- Use mosquito nets, mosquito repellants and wear full sleeve clothes to prevent mosquito bites.
- Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus.
- Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
- No vaccine exists to prevent Zika.
In case you have any symptom similar to zika, consult a doctor immediately.