THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala, Nov 4, (Agencies): The mysterious illness that swept through Thalassery court, located near Kerala's Kannur district, has finally been identified as the Zika virus. This revelation came to light after one of the 22 samples sent for testing to the Alappuzha Virology Institute tested positive for the virus.

For a while, authorities in and around Thalassery were baffled by the sudden illness that affected judges, advocates, and court staff in quick succession. The symptoms included fever, red eyes, swollen body, and pain, leaving many in distress.

Despite their best efforts, the true cause of the illness remained elusive until it was decided to conduct a comprehensive medical check-up. Blood samples were collected and sent for testing, and the results confirmed that one of the samples had tested positive for the Zika virus.

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are known to bite during daylight hours. This revelation prompted authorities to take immediate action, and it has been announced that on November 6, a thorough medical examination of all court staff will be conducted during office hours.

In addition to the medical check-ups, public health authorities have launched an anti-mosquito drive in and around the court premises to curb the potential spread of the Zika virus.