First Zika Virus case detected in Karnataka, Health Minister asks people not to panic

Bengaluru: Karnataka on Monday reported the first case of Zika Virus as a five-year-old girl tested positive for the virus in Manvi Taluk of Raichur District here. The information was shared by Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. K Sudhakar.

In a press conference in Bengaluru, the minister added that the victim was first admitted to Sindhanur Taluk Hospital after complaining of fever and other symptoms for over 15 days. “When she tested positive for Dengue fever, the patient was shifted to VIMS at Vijayanagar.” The minister said.

Blood and urine samples of the patient was then sent to Virology Lab in Pune which confirmed that the girl had tested positive for Zika Virus, the minister said adding that the patient was under medical observation.

The Health Minister further asserted people in the state should not panic over Zika Virus and assured that complete guidelines and regulations will be issued from his ministry in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

Zika virus infection usually causes a mild, self-limited illness but Zika virus has potential for sexual transmission and has been associated with congenital brain abnormalities in pregnant women infected during the first trimester.