Zika outbreak in Kannur sparks statewide alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Zika has become a new concern amid the rise in infectious diseases and deaths, including dengue and rabies. In Kannur Thalassery, eight people including court employees have been diagnosed with the disease in the last few days. The Health Department has concluded that the spread of the disease is due to the increase in mosquitoes caused by rain and waterlogging. A statewide alert has been issued. Zika is caused by Aedes mosquitoes.
Although Zika is not usually deadly, it can cause severe physical problems. If pregnant women get infected, the baby is at risk of birth defects, like microcephaly. Pregnant women will be specially monitored. All hospitals in Kannur have been alerted.
At the same time, dengue and rat fever cases are also increasing day by day. 34,148 people sought treatment in four days. 224 cases of dengue and 40 cases of rat fever have been confirmed. 11 people were also infected with measles.
This year, 191 people have died due to the flu. 74 people lost their lives due to rat fever, and 52 due to H1N1. 45 people died due to dengue fever in 10 months.