Nellore: A six-year-old boy from Venkatapuram village in Marripadu mandal, Sripotti Sriramulu Nellore district, has been suspected of contracting the Zika virus. The infection was initially confirmed by a private lab in Mumbai and later corroborated by the Institute of Virology in Pune. Additional blood and urine samples have been sent to Pune for precise confirmation.
The boy developed a fever on November 30 and was initially treated at a private hospital in Nellore. On December 7, he experienced seizures and was moved to another hospital, where skin rashes prompted doctors to suspect a viral infection. Based on the lab results, the boy was referred to Chennai’s Egmore Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) alerted the state medical and health department about the potential Zika case, prompting a swift response. A medical team, led by Deputy Director Ramanal Rao, visited Venkatapuram to investigate. WHO Surveillance Officer Maunika, State Epidemiologist Konda Reddy, and local health officials conducted house-to-house surveys, tested 30 villagers, and inspected the boy’s school.
Dr. Ramanathvu clarified, “The boy’s symptoms align with Zika virus, but further tests are pending. None of the villagers show symptoms.” Health officials remain vigilant while awaiting final lab results.
