Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts on high alert after Zika virus detection in Kerala
Mangaluru: In the wake of Zika virus cases which are spread by Aedes mosquitoes being reported in Kerala, the State Health Department has issued a directive to border districts such as Chamarajanagar, D.K., and Udupi to maintain extra caution as a preventive measure.
The Dakshina Kannada District Commissioner Dr. Rajendra K. V. informed that the health department has ordered preventive measures to be taken to control the spread of Aedes disease-carrying mosquitoes in the D. K. district.
“In line with the health screening measures for those coming from Kerala, already, RTPCR Negative reports or COVID vaccination certificates have been made mandatory. Other than that, there are no new specific directives related to the Zika virus. Since this virus is spread from mosquitoes, the state will strictly follow related guidelines. The symptoms caused by the Zika virus will have to be ascertained based on clinical directives. There is no need or panic in this regard. Further assessment will be done about additional technical measures to be taken in the border regions”, the district commissioner informed.
Since the population of Aedes mosquitoes that carries the Zika virus increases during the monsoons, the state-wide monitoring of the carrier spread has been directed.
To control the carrier mosquito, guidelines have been issued for houses, airports, harbours, villages, cities, and populated areas to monitor the growth of larvae and keep a keen eye on the same. Regarding chemical and biological spraying, and adequate handling of waste disposal, the health commissioner has issued clear guidelines. Those with symptoms of Zika virus suffer from fever, itching, and joint pain among other symptoms, it is learned. The blood samples of the suspected patients with these symptoms have been directed to be collected and sent to Bengaluru National Institute of Virology (NIV), as per the state guidelines.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
