Kanpur witnesses a steep rise in Zika cases; over 100 affected by the virus so far

With 16 news cases recorded yesterday, the cumulative tally of Zika infections in Kanpur has crossed the 100 mark. As of Monday, a total of 17 children and one pregnant woman had tested positive with Zika, read the reports. According to Dr. Nepal Singh- the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kanpur, these fresh cases were recorded in Harjinder Nagar, Pokharpur, Tiwaripur Bagiya and Qazi Khera localities in the Chakeri hinterland.

15 rapid response teams set up to curb the spread of Zika virus

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The authorities have sprung into action to curb the spread of another viral disease in the state. According to the official, around 100 special teams have been deployed to run surveillance and precautionary measures like surveying the neighbouring areas and sampling symptomatic people. Apart from this, 15 rapid response teams have been added to tackle and trap the spread of Zika virus, added the CMO.

Additionally, the Health Department and Municipal Corporation of Kanpur are also spreading awareness regarding Zika virus in the most affected areas including Shyam Nagar, Koyla Nagar, Chakeri, Jagmau, and Air Force colonies, suggests the report.

Zika virus to be tested at Kanpur Medical College now

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While there is a steady decline in the number of novel coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh, an outbreak of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases has been detected in various parts of the state lately. Apart from Kanpur, Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh has also reported cases of vector-borne disease. Notably, the first case was reported in Kanpur on October 23, when a warrant officer of the IAF tested positive with the Zika virus.

While this virus is currently being tested at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune and King George Medical College (KGMU) in Lucknow, it will also be tested at Kanpur Medical College now. Moreover, as per our sources, the testing is expected to commence in Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute (SGPGI) soon too.