'Govt taking precautions to prevent Zika virus threat'

Health Minister U T Khader on Monday said the State government has taken the spread of dreaded Zika virus seriously and precautionary measures are being taken to prevent its spread in the State. Speaking to reporters, he said it is yet to be confirmed whether Zika virus really exists or it is only a creation of drug companies. "But the government will not take the threat lightly. The State Health department officials are in touch with their counterparts at the Centre and the World Health Organisation (WHO),” he added. The government is ready to start screening the passengers at airports to prevent the spread of virus. The Centre has been requested to provide the necessary health kits and protocol guidance for this purpose. A majority of the passengers from countries affected by the virus arrive at either Mumbai or Delhi airports. So there is no need for panic in Karnataka, he pointed out. - DHNS