Karnataka: Alert in districts to check Zika spread

BENGALURU: The health department has directed all districts to put in place vector-management plans to prevent outbreak of Zika virus cases which have been reported in neighbouring Kerala.


In his order on Saturday, health and family welfare commissioner KV Thrilok Chandra asked all district administrations to ensure ASHA workers and health assistance monitor regularly in rural areas and fortnightly in urban wards.


The department asked officials of Chamarajanagar, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in particular to be more vigilant.

Monsoon tends to facilitate the spread of Aedes mosquito, which is a vector for Zika virus. Solid waste needs to be effectively disposed of to prevent its breeding. Vector-borne disease control officers of all 31 districts need to step up mid-term strategies, the circular said.

Vigil should be stepped up in public places like airports, ports and harbours. The travel history of visitors and even guests at home need to be checked and their samples taken, if needed. They must be sent to National Institute of Virology, Bengaluru, the circular added.

The department directed officials to ensure availability of adulticide and larvicide, used for killing mosquitoes, and hold regular intersectoral meetings to help in exchange of information.