On a daily basis, a significant quantity of grapes, numbering in the tens of thousands, is regularly transported from Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district to the state of Kerala, a region renowned as the primary market for these succulent fruits. This well-established trade between the two locations highlights the integral role played by Kerala as the largest consumer of grapes from Chikkaballapur.
However, the recent detection of the Zika virus in mosquitoes within Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district has ignited concerns regarding the potential for the virus to proliferate and spread. This alarming development comes in the wake of a Zika virus outbreak in the neighboring state of Kerala, amplifying the urgency of the situation.
According to SS Mahesh, the District Health Officer of Chikkaballapur, the Zika virus was indeed identified in a mosquito that had been collected for examination in the month of August. Subsequently, the positive Zika virus results were disclosed on October 25 as part of a comprehensive statewide screening effort.
Out of a total of 100 samples gathered across the state, six hailed from the Chikkaballapur region. Five of these specimens returned negative results, offering a glimmer of relief, but one mosquito, regrettably, tested positive for the Zika virus.
In response to this concerning revelation, a 5-kilometer radius encompassing the area of Talkaebetta, where the Zika-infected mosquito was identified, has been placed under a heightened state of alert. This precautionary measure aims to contain the potential spread of the virus within this vicinity and safeguard the health and well-being of the local population.
Furthermore, the health authorities are diligently monitoring all instances of fever reported in the area. As part of this heightened vigilance, samples from three patients who exhibited symptoms of high fever have been dispatched for comprehensive analysis. Encouragingly, the District Health Officer has conveyed that, at present, all three patients are in stable condition, providing a glimmer of hope amid the apprehension surrounding the Zika virus in Chikkaballapur.
