Zika virus: high alert in Thiruvananthapuram, more samples will be tested; 17 samples return negative

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has decided to intensify testing within the limits of the Thiruvananthapuram municipality where the Zika virus has been reported. The decision was made to collect and test more samples from 100 wards in the city. The Health Department has issued strict instructions to the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and the District Panchayat in this regard.

The Zika virus has become a serious challenge to local authorities involved in Covid prevention activities. The BJP, the main opposition party, has alleged that the city council has failed in its pre-monsoon clean-up, while the city council has claimed that it has intensified its efforts to eradicate mosquitoes.

The district administration is moving ahead with formulating an action plan for virus prevention. The labs have been instructed to report suspected cases separately. Fever clinics will be ensured at health centers.

Arriving in Thiruvananthapuram, a high-level central team will assess the situation in the capital today. The team will visit the corporation limits and Parassala where the disease was reported.

Meanwhile, 17 samples tested for the Zika virus in the capital have come back negative on Saturday morning, the health department said.