Zika Virus Found In Mosquito Near Bengaluru

Fever cases being checked…

On Thursday, 02 November 2023, the Zika virus was detected near Bengaluru, and all fever cases are now being checked and diagnosed. The virus was detected in a mosquito in Chikkaballapur after it was sent for examination in August.

An alert has been issued in the 5-kilometer radius of Talkaebetta from where the sample belonged.

"100 samples were collected from across the state. Six were from Chikkaballapur and five of them tested negative. One was positive out of them," said Dr. S Mahesh, District Health Officer.

The samples of three patients with high fever have been sent to the path lab for testing. They are now fine.

The mosquito found carrying the virus was among the several samples collected during a statewide drive. The results came on October 25.

The Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also known to transfer infections like Dengue and Chikungunya. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.

Last December, a five-year-old girl was diagnosed with Zika virus in Karnataka's Raichur district, asking the government to take necessary steps and issue safety guidelines.

In December, an elderly man was also found with the Zika virus in Maharashtra.