Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Nov 3: The state health department is on high alert after the detection of deadly Zika virus in mosquitoes in Chikkaballapur district. The health department has decided to keep strict vigil in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi also.

All primary, community and taluk health centres are instructed to inform the office of district controller of vector borne diseases.

As the symptoms of Zika are same as that of Dengue, health department has taken steps to kill the Larvae. Dengue is on the rise in Dakshina Kannada including limits of the Mangaluru City Corporation. At present, 393 active cases are reported.

Fogging and chemical spraying is done to control mosquitoes. Though Zika is not fatal, everyone has to take precautions. Pregnant women should take more precaution.

Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, controller of vector borne diseases for Dakshina Kannada and Dr Prashant Bhat, controller of cector borne diseases for Udupi, said, “Strict monitoring is done for Zika virus in both coastal districts. The symptoms are red eyes, head ache, fever, itching and joint pain. The disease intensifies from two to seven days of infection. At present, there are no cases of Zika in Udupi or Dakshina Kannada. However, everyone should take precautions and meet doctor immediately in case of symptoms.”