Kerala has reported at least 10 confirmed cases of Zika virus infection. All 10 cases are from Thiruvananthapuram, according to local media reports. This is the first instance of Zika virus infection in the state,
said Kerala health minister Veena George.

A 24-year-old pregnant woman from Parassala was the
first to be diagnosed with the disease. She has since given birth and is
currently being treated at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Her
condition is stable.  

Also Read | Olympics to be held without spectators after Tokyo COVID emergency

The state has sent 19 samples to the National
Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, of which 13 are expected to come out positive,
although only 10 have been confirmed yet.

According to the World Health Organization, Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus
that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. It was later identified
in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Also Read | Centre announces Rs 23,000 crore package for COVID response

Zika virus outbreaks
have been reported in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. Rare and
sporadic infections were found across Asia and Africa from the 1960s to the
1980s, typically accompanied by mild illness.  

Zika virus disease is
caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during
the day.

Those infected with
the Zika virus experience fever, conjunctivitis, rashes, pain in muscles and
joints, headache and malaise. While most people with the infection do not
develop symptoms, the symptoms last for 2–7 days among people who do.

Also Read | Dangerous experiment: Scientists on lifting COVID curbs in the UK

Zika virus infection
among pregnant women may cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other
congenital malformations. These are known as ‘congenital Zika syndrome’.

Infection with Zika
virus during pregnancy is also associated with complications such as preterm
birth or miscarriage.