A five-year-old girl from Magadi Taluk in Karnataka’s Raichur district has tested positive for Zika virus. This is the first case reported in the state.

Minister for health and family welfare Dr K Sudhakar confirmed the same stating that the case was identified as part of a routine sample testing procedure.

According to the minister, of all the samples that are collected to test for dengue and chikungunya, 10 % are sent for a serum test at the National Institute of Virology, Pune. The case was identified there. 

Asking none to panic, Sudhakar said that the government is taking all precautions to contain the spread of the disease. Previously, in India, Zika cases were confirmed in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh a few months ago.

Sudhakar said, “Usually, 10 percent of such samples are sent to Pune for test, out of which this has come across as positive.” Sources in the health department confirmed that the 5-year-old girl did not have any travel history and search is on for other suspected cases in nearby areas.

What is Zika virus disease?

A disease caused by the Zika virus that spreads through mosquito bites from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions according to the World Health Organization. Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation. The disease is also linked to microcephaly, stillbirths, congenital abnormalities when a pregnant woman is infected.

Symptoms

The incubation period (time taken for symptoms to show) is between 3-14 days.

Mild fever

Rash

Conjunctivitis

Headache

Muscle Pain

Precautions

Ensure to use mosquito repellents

Disallow water stagnation around houses

Pregnant women must use mosquito nets even while resting during day

Wear clothing that minimizes exposure of the body

Also read: World’s most deadliest virus