Those experiencing symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, red eyes should seek treatment; should exercise caution against Zika virus, warning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George urged the public to exercise caution against the Zika virus. She said people experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, red rashes and red eyes should seek treatment.

"People experiencing symptoms must not ignore them and must inform the health workers. Healthcare workers should also pay special attention if they see Zika symptoms in the patients. A Zika-affected area should be monitored to see if there is an increase in fever cases," the minister said.

The minister also directed to conduct sero-surveillance. The minister gave the directive in a high-level meeting convened to assess the Zika situation in Thalassery.

"If a pregnant woman is infected with the Zika virus, the unborn child is likely to have birth defects such as microcephaly. Therefore, pregnant women in the affected area will be specially monitored. Pregnant women should report if they have had Zika symptoms before. Pregnant women with fever should be monitored. Directions will also be given to private hospitals. Although Zika is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, it can also be transmitted through blood donation and sexual contact. Mosquito source control measures and fogging should be intensified. Field-level activities should be strengthened," the minister added.

The meeting also proposed to observe dry days in schools, institutions and houses in the Kannur district on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively to eradicate the source of mosquitoes.