Chikkaballapur (Karnataka), November 2: The Karnataka Health Department is on high alert following the discovery of the Zika virus in mosquitoes in Chikkaballapur district, situated near Bengaluru Urban district.

The health department disclosed that they conducted Zika virus tests on mosquitoes in 68 different locations across the state, including six sites within Chikkaballapur district.

The Zika virus was detected in mosquitoes in the village of Talakayalabetta in Sidlaghatta taluk. Upon this discovery, health authorities swiftly launched preventive measures to contain the virus's spread.

Special meetings have been convened by health officials, and they have provided clear directives for early crisis management.

Health officials collected blood samples from 30 pregnant women and seven individuals displaying symptoms of fever, sending these samples for testing in Bengaluru. These samples were obtained from villages situated within a five-kilometer radius of Talakayala Betta village.

Health officers personally visited locations such as Venkatapura, Dibburahalli, Bachchanahalli, Vaddahalli, and others to assess the situation. Chikkaballapur District Health Officer Mahesh Kumar confirmed the presence of the Zika virus in Chikkaballapur district.

Health authorities are closely monitoring approximately 5,000 individuals in the region.

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain. Zika can lead to birth defects.

This development has raised concerns, given the proximity of Chikkaballapur district to the capital city of Bengaluru.