Kanpur has 10 new cases of Zika virus, bringing the total to 89

At least ten new cases of Zika virus have been detected in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, according to news agency ANI on Sunday. The total now stands at 89, according to Kanpur’s top medical officer, Dr Nepal Singh.

On Saturday, 13 more Zika virus cases were recorded in Kanpur, bringing the total to 79.

As Zika virus cases increase in Kanpur, government hospitals across the city have issued an alert and increased surveillance as part of the city’s infectious disease control campaign, according to health officials.

Dr Anil Nigam, Chief Medical Superintendent at Ursala Hospital, said, “Our team inspects on a regular basis, and Municipal Corporation personnel have also been deployed for fogging to eradicate mosquito breeding places.”

The health officials have also urged special caution amid the spread of Zika virus disease. “Arrangements have been made in all hospitals for the treatment of virus-infected people. The health of each patient is being monitored. Surveillance has been improved,” the officials said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has also instructed officials to speed up sanitisation work. “Infection with the Zika virus is spreading rapidly in Kanpur. Considering the seriousness, special caution is required. Dengue testing should also be intensified. Arrangements should have been made in all hospitals. The health of each patient should be continuously monitored,” the chief minister was quoted.

The chief minister has also asked officials to ensure full cooperation of monitoring committees.

The first case in Kanpur was reported on October 23 when an Indian Air Force (IAF) warrant officer tested positive for Zika virus.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito, which bites during the day. The symptoms of this disease are mild fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or a headache.