Mysterious disease spread in the court, judge, advocate and staff suddenly fell ill

Thiruvananthapuram: The mysterious disease that spread in Thalassery Court near Kannur district in Kerala has now been identified as Zika virus. 22 samples were sent for testing to Alappuzha Virology Institute, out of which the report of one person has come positive.

Officials in and around Thalassery were left shocked after judges, advocates and staff working in the district court suddenly fell ill. Most of them complained of fever, redness in the eyes, swelling and pain in the body.

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. The investigation report revealed that one of them has 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.