The Kerala health authorities are on alert after cases of Zika virus in the states went up to 14 on Friday as the National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed 13 more cases.

The disease, which spreads through a mosquito bite, was detected in the states when a 24-year-old pregnant woman was diagnosed with the pathogen, IBNS said quoting local media. 

The state government said 19 samples were sent to NIV for testing and 13 were found to be positive for Zica Virus, the reports added.

Symptoms of the disease - fever, rashes, and joint pain - are similar to that of dengue.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said an action plan has been created to control the spread of the disease.

Pregnant women with fever should get themselves tested for Zica Virus, the state health ministry told District Medical Officers (DMO) on Friday.(SAM)