A 5-year-old girl in Raichur district of Karnataka has been found to be infected with the Zika virus. The state health minister has asked people not to panic. This case is the first confirmed case in the southern state of India. The government is taking all the precautions to contain the spread of the disease. They will also be issuing a set of guidelines for people. 

Zika virus emergence 

Earlier Zika cases were confirmed in Kerala, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh a few months ago. According to the Health Ministry, the case came to light when the serum sample was first tested for dengue and chikungunya. As per resorts, the 5-years-old girl did not have any travel history and the government is on the lookout for other suspected cases in nearby areas. 

A new case has come to light where a 67-year-old man was confirmed to be infected with the Zika virus a few days ago in the Bavdhan area of Pune on November 6. Earlier on October 22 he traveled to Surat. 

Zika virus spread havoc in the year 2015 when it started to spread across America. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it an International public health emergency.  However, they removed the designation later. 

What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus is mosquito borne virus. The infectious disease is carried and spread via Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. It is said that the virus causes birth defects in babies born to mothers who got infected with the virus. 

Symptoms of Zika virus 

The symptoms of Zika virus are mild with 1 in 5 people being symptomatic. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention keeps on updating the list of affected areas so pregnant women and other healthy people can take precautionary measures to avoid traveling to that area. 

Here are the most common symptoms of Zika virus which are as follows- 

• Fever 
• Rash 
• Joint pain 
• Inflamed eyes 
• Bodyache
• Headache 

Diagnosis of Zika Virus Infection 

Zika virus diagnosis can be done with a blood test or urine test. 

Prevention of Zika Virus Infection 

The best way to prevent exposure to the virus is through avoiding travel to countries where outbreaks are happening. To avoid mosquito bites, follow the below precautionary steps. 

• Wear full covering clothing 
• Stay indoors
• Use safe mosquito sprays and repellent lotions