Kerala reports 3 more Zika cases in state, takes toll to 44

Thiruvananthapuram, July 23: Kerala State Health Minister Veena George yesterday informed that the state has reported three more fresh cases of Zika virus, taking the toll of cases of mosquito-borne infection to 44 in the state.

"Three more persons have tested positive for the Zika virus in Kerala. The total number of Zika virus cases in the state is 44," Kerala State Health Minister Veena George`s Office informed.

"The infection was confirmed in the tests conducted at the medical virology lab here. The total affected in the state has gone up to 44. Currently, six persons are under treatment," the minister said in a release.

According to the health department, the patients have not been admitted to hospitals and all of them are stable. The first case of the virus was confirmed in Kerala on July 9. A high alert has been flagged in all districts regarding the mosquito-borne virus.