Preventive measures for Zika virus: test kits available with King Institute
Posted on: 26/Mar/2016 2:11:15 PM
The government (both central & state) has been taking various measures to prevent the entry of `Zika` virus in the country. There was a recent report from Bangladesh that a patient tested positive for Zika virus. This has put the government on ‘alert’ mode and all possible precautionary measures are being implemented.
The ministry of health has planned to conduct zika virus check on patients affected with viral fever. Tamil Nadu has equipped the diagnostic facilities to test for Zika Virus.
The Director for Public Health, Mr. K. Kolandaisamy, informed that the King Institute of Preventive Medicine has acquired the testing kits for Zika virus.
He informed that `Aedes`-free campaigns continue at the airports and seaports to eradicate mosquito breeding sources. A health information post functions at the airport.
Zika virus, which spread through South American countries, is transmitted through the bite of an infected `Aedes` mosquito. This mosquito also transmits another disease, dengue fever.
The nature of illness is a mild fever while it is associated with microcephaly where babies are born with an abnormally small head.
Routine checks are continuing on ships and aircraft. Passengers who have returned from Zika hotspots are being tracked and monitored. He said, "We are ensuring that the areas they are live in are completely Aedes-free".
The concern is about microcephaly. As per prevailing statistics, there are an estimated 5 to 6 lakh pregnant women in Tamil Nadu at any given time. Simultaneously, measures have been to control spreading of dengue fever as well.
He informed that the pockets for dengue in the State include Tirupur, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. However, the virus is being managed` There have been no cases of dengue since last two months.
