Thiruvananthapuram, The <keyword id="260974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala-health-department" source="Orion">Kerala health department</keyword> issued a directive on Monday urging people to remain vigilant against the <keyword id="3155474" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zika-virus" source="Orion">Zika virus</keyword>. The directive was issued in response to the virus outbreak in the Thalassery area of the northern Kannur district. The department said that symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, joint pain, and red eyes should be taken seriously. It urged the public to promptly inform healthcare workers if they notice these symptoms. "If Zika virus symptoms are observed in patients, healthcare providers must give them special attention," the statement said. The statement was issued after a high-level meeting chaired by Health Minister <keyword id="3296362" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Veena-George" source="Orion">Veena George</keyword> held here reviewed the Zika virus cases in Thalassery. Currently, eight Zika virus cases have been confirmed there. The department said if pregnant women are affected by the virus, there is a possibility of birth defects, such as microcephaly, in the unborn baby. Therefore, pregnant women in areas with reported cases of the disease should receive special monitoring, it said. The department directed doctors to conduct separate examinations for pregnant women affected by fever. It said the Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, but it can also be transmitted through blood donation and sexual contact. The department called for an intensification of activities related to mosquito breeding and fogging. They also directed schools, households, and institutions in Kannur district to observe dry days on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to prevent mosquito breeding.

Zika virus: Kerala health department urges people to be vigilant

Even as the Covid pandemic continue to rage in Kerala, state <keyword id="6356374" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-minister">Health Minister</keyword> <keyword id="3296362" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Veena-George">Veena George</keyword> on Thursday said <keyword id="3155474" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zika-virus">Zika virus</keyword> cases have been detected in the state. "This is the first time that Zika virus has been reported in Kerala... a 24-year-old pregnant woman reported at a hospital in the state capital district with fever, headache and rashes last month. The first results showed a mild <keyword id="2143892" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="positive-sign">positive sign</keyword> of Zika virus and later from 19 samples tested, 13 also showed Zika positive. All the samples have now been sent to <keyword id="4590086" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="niv-pune">NIV Pune</keyword>," she said. "The <keyword id="48418" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Health-department">Health Department</keyword> and the district authorities are seized of the issue and have taken measures by collecting samples of the Aedes species <keyword id="6418922" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="mosquitoes">mosquitoes</keyword>, which transmits it to people through its bite. All the districts have been alerted about this and measures have started," George added. Zika virus can create complications for pregnant women. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/cryptocurrencies-exchanges-can-run-into-trouble-with-investors/articleshow/84205889.cms">Cryptocurrencies aren't all diamonds and roses — lawsuits from people who lost big are piling up with exchanges</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/simple-energy-new-electric-scooter-promises-240km-range-on-a-70-minute-charge/articleshow/84164967.cms">This new electric scooter promises 240KM range on a 70-minute charge, could be priced under ₹1,20,000</a>

First Zika virus case detected in Kerala, says state's health minister

<ul><li><keyword id="3155474" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zika-virus">Zika virus</keyword> disease is mainly transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which stings in daylight.</li><li>Amid the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, Kerala, on Thursday, reported around 13 confirmed cases of Zika Virus for the first time.</li><li>Majority of people who get infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms, says WHO.</li></ul>Disclaimer: This should not be considered medical advice. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, Kerala, on Thursday, reported around 13 confirmed cases of Zika Virus for the first time. In February 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) had confirmed Zika infection as a public health emergency. India reported its first case in Rajasthan where 63 pregnant women were diagnosed with the infection in 2017. <keyword id="11597663" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="what-is-zika-virus">What is Zika Virus</keyword> and where was it first found? Zika virus disease is mainly transmitted by the Aedes mosquito which stings in daylight. Aedes mosquitoes are the same that transmit dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. It is a mosquito-borne flavivirus which was identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys and later in humans in 1952. According to WHO, the first outbreak of Zika virus was found in the Island of Yap in 2007, followed by French Polynesia in 2013, and Brazil in 2015. What are the major <keyword id="3230917" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Symptoms-of-Zika-virus">symptoms of Zika Virus</keyword>? The incubation period (time between the exposure and first symptoms) is usually between 3-14 days. Majority of people who get infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms, says WHO. These are the major symptoms that have been found in people and usually last for 2-7 days — <ul><li>Mild to high fever</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Conjunctivitis</li><li>Muscle and joint pain</li><li>Headache</li><li>Malaise</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li></ul>How can Zika virus be diagnosed? It is generally identified from the symptoms developed by individuals. However, it can be confirmed only by conducting laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids such as urine or semen. How can Zika virus be transmitted? Primarily, Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes which stings usually during the day. However, it can also be transferred from mother to foetus, unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, transfusion of blood and blood products and organ transplantation. How is the Zika virus infected person treated? WHO says that there is no treatment or vaccine available for this virus or related/associated diseases. However, people who develop mild symptoms such as fever, rash, nausea are recommended to take plenty of rest, increase the intake of fluids, and treat pain and fever with normal medication. If the condition of an infected person deteriorates, then one should seek immediate medical advice and care. How can you protect yourself from this virus? <ol><li>The foremost recommended way to protect yourself is wear light coloured clothes which covers your maximum body area.</li><li>Keep your windows and doors closed to avoid the entering of flies and mosquitoes.</li><li>Apply mosquito repellent on skin or clothing that contains DEET, IR3535 or icaridin, which will be mentioned in the product label, prescribed by WHO.</li><li>Young children and pregnant women should sleep under mosquito nets to protect them from infected mosquitoes.</li><li>Avoid collection/storage of water, as these mosquitoes breed in such conditions.</li><li>Travellers who are going to these infected areas should take proper precautions.</li></ol>SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pokmon-gos-5th-anniversary-celebrated-with-virtual-pokmon-go-fest-2021-and-new-gaming-features/articleshow/84260501.cms">Pokémon GO’s 5th anniversary celebrated with virtual Pokémon GO Fest 2021 and new gaming features </a><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pokmon-gos-5th-anniversary-celebrated-with-virtual-pokmon-go-fest-2021-and-new-gaming-features/articleshow/84260501.cms"></a><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/qualcomm-asus-smartphone-for-snapdragon-insiders-specs-price-launch-date-in-india/articleshow/84258672.cms">Qualcomm and Asus come together to launch a high-end ‘Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders’</a>

Zika virus: All you need to know — overview, symptoms, prevention and control

<ul><li>On 9 October, officials from the health department of <keyword id="6355588" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword> confirmed that there had been 29 verified cases of the <keyword id="3155474" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zika-virus">Zika virus</keyword> in the state. </li><li>The first case of Zika was reported on 23 September in an 85-year old patient at the at the Sawai Man Singh Hospital in <keyword id="6354779" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaipur">Jaipur</keyword>. </li><li>The virus, which is transferred through the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever and rashes and is particularly harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to <keyword id="903822" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="microcephaly">microcephaly</keyword> in newborn children. </li></ul>India’s has seen its fair share of <keyword id="44297" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Epidemic">epidemic</keyword> scares in recent years. In late 2014, the Ebola virus, which plagued West Africa for the better part of the year’s second half, reached New Delhi when a man tested positive for the disease after landing from Liberia. In 2017, three people in Gujarat tested positive for the Zika virus, which spread through South America in 2015 and 2016, affecting pregnant mothers. Earlier this year, in June, the state of Kerala was on high alert after 17 people died of the Nipah virus, which spreads from fruit bats. Last month, the Zika virus reared its head again, and this time it's quickly become the largest outbreak ever of the disease in India. On 9 October, officials from the health department of Rajasthan confirmed that there had been 29 verified cases of the Zika virus in the state. Following the news, the central government’s health ministry tried to assuage fears by claiming that the outbreak was under control. The first case of Zika was reported on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/rajasthan-health-department-on-toes-after-first-zika-casereported/story-nB3BCWc5nTLhIWxXqv82YN.html">23 September</a> in an 85-year old patient at the at the Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur. The virus, which is transferred through the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever and rashes and is particularly harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly in newborn children. A majority of the current cases are limited to one particular area in Jaipur- Shastri Nagar. Since the first case was reported, the state government of Rajasthan has said it has tried to contain the damage while monitoring the full extent of the problem. It has placed more than 90 pregnant under watch, while checking 26,000 households and destroying 29,000 breeding grounds for mosquitoes in the locality, according to Veenu Gupta, a secretary in the state’s health ministry. For its part, the central government has also sent a team comprising officials from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme to Jaipur to keep tabs on the situation and assist state government officials. Around five labs have been set up all over the state to test blood samples from patients suspected of contracting the virus.

India is dealing with its largest ever outbreak of the Zika virus

Is it just us or does it feel like we are all starring in Stranger Things and living in ‘the Upside Down’? We sure are living in stranger times and dealing with unpredictable plot twists almost every other day. <div type="image" title="Stranger Things" msid="93786051" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Stranger Things&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> On August 24, 2022, India reported 10,649 <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/india-logs-in-8586-new-covid-infections-active-cases-decline/articleshow/93723223.cms">new </a>cases of the novel <keyword id="1754604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus" source="Orion">coronavirus</keyword>. <div type="image" title="COVID-19 new case additions and deaths" msid="93786058" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;COVID-19 new case additions and deaths&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> While the once-novel disease keeps coming back in waves, it isn’t the only one that the country is battling today. New <keyword id="25927" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diseases" source="Orion">diseases</keyword> such as <keyword id="7616951" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="monkeypox" source="Orion">monkeypox</keyword> and <keyword id="13885432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tomato-Flu" source="Orion">tomato flu</keyword> are also plaguing the whole world. Tomato flu: Symptoms and precaution <div type="image" title="Over 82 children below the age of five years have been reportedly infected with Tomato flu" msid="93786076" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Over 82 children below the age of five years have been reportedly infected with Tomato flu&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> A new infection named Tomato flu has been reported from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Odisha. It is now determined to be a clinical variant of the hand-foot-mouth disease, caused by a group of enteroviruses or viruses transmitted through the intestine. Over 82 children below the age of five years have been reportedly infected with the disease. As per Lancet Respiratory Medicine, tomato flu could also ‘be a new variant of the viral hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common infectious disease targeting mostly children aged 1–5 years and immunocompromised adults.’ The infection results in tomato-shaped blisters on the body and causes skin irritation, dehydration, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea, discolouration of hands, knees and buttocks, vomiting, and fatigue. While it is yet to be ascertained if it affects only children, the Union Health Ministry has issued a set of guidelines on how to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/tomato-flu-outbreak-in-keralatamilnadu-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-infection/articleshow/91496289.cms">protect </a>children from the infection and its treatment course. In children with these symptoms, the advisory said, ‘molecular and serological tests are done for diagnosis of dengue, chikungunya, zika virus, varicella-zoster virus, and herpes; once these viral infections are ruled out, a diagnosis of tomato flu is considered’. If you develop some of these symptoms, the first and foremost thing to do is consult a doctor immediately. The guidelines also state that if children develop symptoms, they should be isolated. Their belongings such as utensils, clothing and bedding must be regularly sanitised. Children should also stay hydrated, and the blisters caused by the infection must be cleaned with warm water. The infected person must avoid scratching the rashes or blisters. With the schools reopening, one must proceed with caution and not panic because the situation is not alarming yet. Monkeypox: Origin and symptoms <div type="image" title="Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease" msid="93786087" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> First discovered in 1958 in the colonies of monkeys kept for research, monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease. The first human case of monkeypox was reported from Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. Monkeypox virus primarily occurs in Central and West Africa. In 2003, the first monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was reported in the United States of America which was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana. Monkeypox starts with an unexplained acute rash. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, body aches and profound weakness. As of August 24, there were 9 active cases of monkeypox in India, with 4 in Delhi and 5 in Kerala. If infected, patients are advised to isolate to prevent further transmission, while the authorities have been advised to provide optimal clinical care, identify and manage contacts, protect frontline health workers, take effective control and preventive measures based on the identified routes of transmission. Swine flu <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296723">Swine flu is not a new</a> outbreak, it had first appeared in 2015 and Rajasthan and Gujarat were among the worst-hit states. Around 218 people had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296723">succumbed </a>to the flu back in 2015. With the current weather, cases of swine flu or H1N1 flu and monsoon-related diseases are on the rise again in Maharashtra. In July, a total of 6 deaths were reported from Mumbai – 2 deaths// each// were caused by dengue and swine flu and 1 death each due to malaria and leptospirosis. During the same period, Mumbai reported 35 swine flu cases. Zika virus <div type="image" title="Zika virus" msid="93786113" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Zika virus &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> In July, cases of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296702">Zika virus were silently</a> spreading across Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi. Zika virus spreads mostly through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, headache, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain and rash. Experts recommend that the only way to curb the spread is to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-monkeypox-tomato-fever-zika-virus-india-has-its-hands-full-with-these-outbreaks-and-more/slidelist/93296406.cms#slideid=93296702">control breeding of mosquitoes</a>, which commonly happens in stagnant water. As the world grapples with new variants of Covid-19, tomato flu and monkeypox, There are 200 more active viruses, and bacteria in the air, thanks to climate change, said a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/there-are-200-more-active-viruses-bacteria-in-the-air-thanks-to-climate-change/articleshow/93445722.cms">report </a>by Nature Climate Change. It could only worsen in years to come. <div type="image" title="Stay safe, mask up!" msid="93786150" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Stay safe, mask up!&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The research <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/there-are-200-more-active-viruses-bacteria-in-the-air-thanks-to-climate-change/articleshow/93445722.cms">revealed </a>that warming, precipitation, floods, drought, storm, land cover change, ocean climate change, fires, heatwaves and sea level changes were all found to influence diseases triggered by viruses, bacteria, animals, fungi, protozoans, plants and chromists. Pathogenic diseases were primarily transmitted by vectors. So, to stay safe, mask up people! Disclaimer: This content, including the advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Please contact a medical professional for more information.

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Zika virus: Kerala health department urges people to be vigilant

PTI

First Zika virus case detected in Kerala, says state's health minister

IANS

Zika virus: All you need to know — overview, symptoms, prevention and control

Vaamanaa Sethi

India is dealing with its largest ever outbreak of the Zika virus

Dilsher Dhillon

SIMPLY PUT: All you need to know to keep yourself safe from the newly emerging diseases