Chennai: Following increase in Covid cases in Kerala and after the neighbouring State announced that one of the 14 people who tested positive for Zika was a 24-year-old pregnant woman from a town bordering Tamilnadu, the State health department has asked all districts, particularly those along the border, to intensify surveillance.
Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan said, “There is no vaccine for Zika and so prevention is important. We are staying vigilant. We have asked district health authorities to ensure sumps and tanks are closed. Drinking water is stored in sealed tanks.”
He added: “We have also asked scrap dealers, milk unions, transport depots to address and eradicate sources. This will help us prevent dengue cases as well.”
According to the Directorate of public health, since 2017, Tamilnadu has tested more than 400 people for suspected infection, but all were negative.
Meanwhile, tourists and general public coming from Kerala will now require e-passes to enter Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts.