Three more people have been found infected with the Zika virus in Kerala on Thursday. With this, the total number of infected people has increased to 44. State Health Minister Veena George told that three cases are from Thiruvananthapuram. The infected include a 27-year-old resident near the medical college, a 38-year-old resident of Petta and a three-year-old child of Anaira. 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.
Zika is a mosquito-borne viral infection. It is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day. Dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito itself. Zika virus can be spread from pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy. It is also related to other complications of pregnancy including premature birth and miscarriage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person infected with the Zika virus can spread the disease to his or her partner.
Symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue, including fever, skin rash, and joint pain. According to the World Health Organization, most people infected with the Zika virus do not have symptoms, but some may develop fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, restlessness, pimples and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually last for 2-7 days. There is currently no vaccine to treat or prevent Zika virus infection. Zika virus infection can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites.