Concerns arise about Zika virus spread in Karnataka

Bengaluru: There is a growing concern in the state about the spread of the Zika virus as the mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue and chikungunya can also transmit the disease. Consequently, 10% of individuals who exhibit symptoms but test negative for dengue and chikungunya are being tested for Zika.

Until now, the Aedes mosquito was believed only to spread dengue and chikungunya here. However, there is now a fear that Aedes mosquitoes, after biting Zika-infected individuals, be carrying and transmitting the Zika virus to others.

Currently, symptoms such as sudden high fever, pain behind the eyes, nausea, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rashes are being reported across various parts of the state, including Bengaluru.

Despite these symptoms, many testing for dengue and chikungunya have returned negative results. So far, 61,037 suspected dengue samples have been tested in the state, with 8,221 testing positive. Even with all the symptoms present, the negative test results are becoming a concern for doctors and the health department.

10% of samples being tested for Zika

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has advised states to test samples for Zika in cases where patients exhibit symptoms of dengue and chikungunya but test negative. Currently, the health department is testing 10% of the total negative cases of chikungunya and dengue for the Zika virus.

Common symptoms

Symptoms of the Zika virus typically appear 3 to 14 days after being infected and are usually mild. Blood, saliva, and urine samples are collected for testing five days after symptoms appear.

In Bengaluru, suspected Zika samples are being tested at the National Virology Institute and the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.

Microcephaly concerns

A dangerous aspect is that many Zika-infected individuals may not show significant symptoms, or if they do, they are mild and ordinary. However, if a pregnant woman contracts the Zika virus, it can result in microcephaly, a condition where the baby is born with an abnormally small head.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika; treatment is given based on symptoms.

Zika Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Red eyes
• Rashes
• Joint and muscle pain

“Following the advice of the Indian Council of Medical Research, samples from individuals who test negative for chikungunya and dengue are being tested for Zika in the state,” said Dr. Randeep, Commissioner of Health Department.

Translated from a Kannada article by Trupti Kumragodu