Publication:

Zika virus in northern Kerala: a case report

Being a tropical country, emerging Zika virus infection is a major concern in India. In India, the first case of confirmed Zika virus disease was reported from Gujarat. In Kerala, the first Zika Virus outbreak was reported in June 2021 in the southern district of Thiruvananthapuram. Till now there have been no documented reports in the literature about the Zika virus disease in the northern part of Kerala. Hence, we are reporting a 44-year-old lady with fever, maculopapular rash, arthralgia, retro auricular lymphadenitis, gingivitis and bleeding manifestations who on evaluation had anemia, thrombocytopenia and was later diagnosed to have Zika virus infection along with Vitamin B12 deficiency in Tellichery in the northern part of Kerala. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of emerging infectious diseases in tropical regions and the need for early detection.