Zika surveillance: State intensifies vector-control and source-reduction measures

A three-member central team has arrived in Raichur to investigate and assist the State in preventing further spread

Following the detection of the first case of Zika virus in Karnataka, the State Health Department has intensified containment measures to prevent further spread of the vector-borne disease. On Monday, a three-member central team visited Koli Camp in Raichur district where the first case was detected.

The team — comprising Smitha Rawat, Senior Regional Director, Regional Office of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Bengaluru, Shubhangi Kulsanghe, Deputy Director at the State unit of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and K. Regu Consultant at Kozhikode unit of NCDC — will investigate and recommend measures to check further spread during its three-day visit.

Meanwhile, the five-year-old girl has been cured of the infection and has tested negative during a repeat test. Samples collected from her parents, relatives and friends have also tested negative for Zika, said Randeep D, State Health Commissioner.

He asserted that there is no need to panic as Zika virus infection is milder than dengue and no complications or deaths have been reported so far.

Zika, a viral disease, is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

Mohammed Sharief, State NVBDCP Programme Officer, said the State has already put in place a containment strategy to check the outbreak and prevent further spread of this disease. “We have intensified active human and mosquito surveillance in a five-km radius of the epicentre in Raichur. Besides, integrated vector-control measures and routine laboratory surveillance has also been scaled up,” he said.

“While house-to-house surveillance is being taken up in Raichur district, 21 samples of the 57 pregnant women under ante-natal care in the district and 10 mosquito samples for zeno diagnosis of aedes egypti population have been sent to NIV, Pune on Monday. The remaining ANC samples will also be sent soon,” he said.