Karnataka has stepped up surveillance after a mosquito pool in Chickballapur was found to be positive for Zika virus, a vector-borne flavivirus transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Mosquito samples collected from Thalakayalbetta village in the jurisdiction of Dibburahalli Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Chickballapur during routine surveillance were found to be carrying the Zika virus, according to the molecular virology laboratory report from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) State unit in Bengaluru. The samples tested positive on October 18, and since then, intensive preventive measures have been taken up to check the spread of the disease.
State Health Commissioner Randeep D. told The Hindu that while the detection in the mosquito pool indicated the circulation of Zika virus in the district, there is no need to panic as no human infection has been reported as yet. “Samples of three persons, who were detected during fever surveillance, have been sent for confirmation to NIV Pune, and reports are awaited,” he said.
