Zika virus confirmed for first time in Kerala, disease diagnosed in 13 people in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes has been detected for the first time in Kerala. Thirteen infected people were found in Thiruvananthapuram city. There are no serious implication for this disease. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, red spots, and redness of the eyes. The only remedy is to rest completely. Medications are also given for the problems seen in the patients.

The disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day. It has similar symptoms to dengue and chikungunya. If pregnant women get the disease, the baby's skull may become stunted. The disease can spread through sexual contact and blood donation.