Mystery illness at Kerala’s Thalassery courts is Zika
KANNUR: In a significant development, the ‘mystery illness’ that had kept the Thalassery court complex in a state of unease has now been definitively identified as Zika. Dr. M. P. Jeeja, the District Medical Officer (DMO), confirmed this diagnosis based on the test results of a blood sample from an infected individual, which revealed the presence of the mosquito-borne viral infection.
The anxiety and confusion surrounding this situation arose when over 60 people, including judicial officers, court staff, and advocates, sought medical assistance in the past week due to various symptoms such as discomfort, fatigue, itching, body pain, headache, and fever. In response to these reports of similar symptoms, three courts operating within the complex had to be temporarily closed for two days.
The district health department, led by Dr. Jeeja, along with teams from Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) and Kannur MCH, visited the affected area to assess the situation. These teams conducted thorough check-ups and gathered information from those affected. Subsequently, blood and fluid samples from 23 individuals were sent to the NIV Alappuzha. Dr. Jeeja stated, “Zika virus infection was confirmed in one of the ten samples tested so far, while the remaining results are pending release.”
Since the symptoms exhibited by all affected individuals are consistent, it is presumed that they all have Zika. The extent of the illness will determine positive results, and additional tests will be conducted in the coming days. In response to staff complaints about mosquito infestations on the court premises, the health department is planning an extensive mosquito-eradication campaign.
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the day. Most infected individuals do not show symptoms, but those who do typically experience manifestations such as rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headaches, which can last for 2-7 days. India first reported an outbreak of the Zika virus in 2021.
