In a concerning development, a 74-year-old man from Shivamogga, Karnataka, has died from Zika virus infection amid a rising trend of cases in India. The elderly man, who passed away on Friday, was also suffering from other illnesses that may have contributed to his death, according to officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department.
The man had been under treatment for a urinary infection and breathing problems, which were significant factors in his deteriorating health. Despite these complications, his blood samples tested positive for the Zika virus. He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Shivamogga for treatment and had returned home to recover before his condition worsened.
Health officials stress that the Zika virus infection alone may not have been the direct cause of his death. District Health Officials maintain that the elderly man’s pre-existing health conditions played a critical role. They have issued warnings about the potential severity of Zika infections, particularly for pregnant women, emphasizing the risk of the virus spreading to the fetus, which could have serious implications.
In addition to this case, another suspected Zika infection has been reported in Sagar, Karnataka. The District Health Officer confirmed that a sample has been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) unit in Bengaluru for confirmation.
As Karnataka grapples with these developments, the public is urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the Zika virus, especially among vulnerable populations.