​Zika virus infection in Kerala: Here's how to stay safe​

A total of eight cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Kerala's Kannur district. In view of the increasing number of cases, the Kerala government has issued high vigil and has intensified measures to prevent of the spread of the virus. The first infection was reported on October 30 and the number of cases rose to 8 by November 6. "If Zika virus symptoms are observed in patients, healthcare providers must give them special attention," the state government has issued a statement.

As per reports, schools, households, and institutions in Kannur district have been asked to observe “dry days” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to prevent mosquito breeding. In this, people have to prevent water from stagnating which is often the main reason why the mosquito breeds in the first place and spreads the virus. Check for those places where water is stored; for example water cooler, earthen pots, plant pots, animal feeding trays, etc.

The common symptoms seen in patients infected with Zika virus are fever, headache, body pain, joint pain and red eyes. These signs seem subtle and overlap with the symptoms of mild infections as well which makes it difficult to identify them. Individuals who experience these signs need not delay and take preventive measures at the earliest so that the infection does not spread.

The symptoms of the Zika virus last for 2-7 days. On the nature of the symptoms and how long it lasts, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, "Most people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. Among those who do, they typically start 3–14 days after infection, are generally mild including rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache, and usually last for 2–7 days."
​7-day easy workout plan for office-going women​​

Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes; these mosquitoes bite during the daytime. Not just Zika virus, these mosquitoes also spread dengue, chikungunya and urban yellow fever. Zika virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. It can also spread through sexual contact, through blood transfusion and also through organ transplantation.

If Zika virus infection is not treated properly, it can lead to complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis. "Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, including limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities and hearing loss. These clinical features are collectively referred to as congenital Zika syndrome," the WHO warns.