Kerala: Three People Test Positive For Zika Virus As The Caseload Swells To 44

The first Zika virus case in the state was surfaced on July 7. In a fortnight's time, the Zika virus caseload has gone up to 44 in state

Kerala Zika virus. (Image: Twitter)

Thiruvananthapuram: Three more people tested positive for the Zika virus in Kerala on Thursday. With this, the total number of infected has increased to 44. State Health Minister Veena George told that three cases are from Thiruvananthapuram. The first Zika virus case in the state was surfaced on July 7, a pregnant woman from Thiruvananthapuram was the first Zika virus patient in the country. In a fortnight's time, the Zika virus caseload has gone up to 44.

On Thursday, The infected include a 27-year-old resident near the Thiruvananthapuram medical college, a 38-year-old resident of Petta and a three-year-old child. In a statement issued to the press, it was told that the infection has been confirmed in the examination of the medical virology laboratory. The total number of infected in the state increased to 44, while six patients are undergoing treatment. According to the Health Department, the patients have not been admitted to the hospital and at present the condition of all is stable. 

The state Health Minister Veena George said that the Thiruvananathapuram Municipal Corporation has ramped up vector prevention activities. She said that a control room has been set up at the DMO, that will operate round the clock.

The testing facilities were set up in three districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikode. Kerala government had launched a statewide viral control operation.

A person can test positive for the Zika virus when the Aedes species of mosquitoes take a bite. These mosquitoes only happen to stay indoors and are active during the daytime. The same species of mosquitoes transmit diseases like Chikungunya, Dengue and Yellow fever.