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Kerala reported at least 10 cases of Zika virus infection over the last few days. A 24-year-old pregnant woman was the first diagnosed case of infection in the southern state. She has since given birth and her condition is stable. 

Also Read | All about Zika virus: Symptoms, prevention and more

Kerala is expecting to see more cases of the infection in the next few days. All cases have been reported in Thiruvananthapuram. 

In most cases, Zika virus infection causes a mild, self-limited illness with an incubation period of 3%u201314 days. 

Zika virus: Origins

Zika virus was first identified and described in a captive sentinel febrile rhesus monkey in 1947. The virus gets its name from the Zika forest of Entebbe, Uganda. In 1948, the virus was recovered from the Aedes africanus mosquito in the Zika forest. 

The first case among humans was reported in 1952. Zika virus infection is widely distributed outside of Africa. Outbreaks have been reported in Mircronesia and French Polynesia.

Also Read | At least 10 cases of Zika virus in Kerala, state on alert

What is the Zika virus? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Zika virus as a mosquito-borne flavivirus transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. 

Recent history:

A large outbreak of Zika was declared in the Americas in 2015%u201316. In February of 2016, the World Health Organization declared the spread of Zika virus a %u2018public health emergency%u2019. 

Ways to prevent infection:

Since Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, some of the effective ways of protecting against the virus are: using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing. 

Zika virus is also known to spread through sexual intercourse, therefore it is imperative to use protection during sex. 

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