Chennai: After the first case of zika virus infection was reported early this week in Krishnagiri, the state has put all its international airports at Trichy, Coimbatore and Chennai and the Krishnagiri district on high alert looking out for any suspected infections.
While passengers are being screened at airports, Krishnagiri collectorate has fanned medical teams to collect samples for easy diagnosis of any such cases.
“A mobile vehicle equipped with basic testing equipment and a lab technician to collect samples from each village panchayat in the district under the supervision of the district medical officer. The vehicle has been in use on a 12-hour basis to diagnose cases of zika infection. If any sample reports positive, it will be further sent to the government hospitals for confirmation,” said C. Kathiravan, collector, Krishnagiri district.
The family members of the patient, who was reported to be infected with zika virus infection were also tested for the infection and the reports have been negative, said health department officials.
District administration has taken up necessary steps such as fogging, source reduction and creating awareness among people on cleanliness. The people were also given psychological counseling to prevent panic situation among the residents.
State health secretary J. Radhakrishnan said the health department was monitoring the situation regularly. Public health centres are also equipped to carry out diagnosis test for zika virus infection.
Meanwhile, scientists at the national surveillance programme of zika have said that more samples and laboratories were needed to carry out research at a higher level. Currently, 25 laboratories in the country are carrying out tests and research for the virus.
