Andhra Pradesh: Suspected case of Zika virus sparks panic among locals in Nellore district

TIRUPATI: A six-year-old boy was suspected to have contracted the Zika virus at Venkatapuram village in Marripadu mandal of Nellore district.
The victim was first treated at a private hospital in Nellore and was subsequently shifted to a corporate hospital in Chennai as there was not much improvement in his condition.
Before being shifted to Chennai, his blood samples were collected and sent for testing to the National Institute of Virology in Pune to confirm if the boy contracted the Zika virus.
Meanwhile, the suspected case of the Zika virus sparked panic among the locals in Nellore district.
State medical and health deputy director Ramanadha Rao, along with the doctors from the district medical and health department, inspected Venkatapuram village and set up a medical camp at the village on Wednesday.
Locals were advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the Zika virus is contagious through mosquitos. Pregnant women were advised to stay away from the village temporarily.
State endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, who reviewed the situation with the officials of the Nellore district administration earlier today, told reporters that all necessary measures were being taken to contain the spread of the Zika virus. He appealed to the people not to panic and to cooperate with the district administration to effectively handle the suspected Zika virus outbreak in Nellore district.