Zika arrives: First case is a five-yr-old girl in Raichur; patient recovering

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The first case of Zika virus in Karnataka has been detected in Neeramanvi village of Manvi taluk in Raichur district, Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K.Sudhakar disclosed on Monday.

A five-year old girl has tested positive for the virus which had created havoc in neighbouring Kerala a few months ago, and is recuperating in hospital. According to health department sources, this case has come to light in a Koli camp. Doctors say the girl has recovered fully.

The health minister said the department has taken all measures to check the spread of the virus and has sounded an alert in neighbouring districts as a precaution. "People need not become panic...the state government will issue separate guidelines for containing the virus soon," he said.

Recently, the girl had high fever and other health complications, and was admitted to VIMS where her blood sample was collected for further examination. The lab report tested positive for Zika Virus. After the case was reported, Taluk Health Officer Dr Chandrashekaraiah and health department staff visited the Koli camp for an inspection. The THO said the girl was first suspected to have Dengue.

Residents have been asked to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Asha workers are visiting every house to examine kids.