Mysterious disease related to Zika virus identified in court

Thiruvananthapuram: The mysterious disease spreading in Thalassery Court near Kerala’s Kannur district has now been identified as Zika virus after one of the 22 samples sent for testing at the Alappuzha Virology Institute tested positive.

Authorities in and around Thalassery were left in a state of shock for some time after judges, advocates and staff working in the district court suddenly fell ill.

Most of them complained of fever, red eyes, body swelling and pain. Despite best efforts, the actual cause was not known until a decision was made to undergo medical investigation.

Blood samples were taken and sent for testing, and the results showed that one of them tested positive for Zika virus. Zika virus is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mostly during the day.

Officials have now announced that another medical examination of all employees will be conducted during office hours on November 6. Public health officials have launched an anti-mosquito campaign in and around the court complex.