Two more cases of Zika virus have been documented by the Department of Health in Iloilo City, bringing to eight total number of cases in the Philippines since 2012, said DOH Secretary Paulyn Ubial.
According to Ubial, the latest cases were based on test results done at the Research Institute from Tropical Medicine. Both are living in the same household as the index of sixth Zika case.
Both patients presented mild skin rashes and not accompanied by other signs and symptoms unlike the index case, who has joint pains, red eyes, aside from skin rashes.
She said all three cases have since recovered and did not require hospitalization. None among them is pregnant.
According to Ubial, the two new cases contracted the disease through mosquito bites. DOH already had ruled out the two other modes of transmissions for Zika virus which are sex and blood transfusion.
DOH had tested 12 individuals who came in contact with the index case, but only two turned out positive.
As part of the investigation of the 6th Zika case, DOH conducted household survey to establish relevant mosquito larva or pupa link to confirmed cases.
The agency visited 88 households located around and new the residence of the three cases. Most of the water containers in these households contain larva or pupa of Aedes aegypti -- the vector of Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
Because of the threats posed by Zika virus, the DOH has urged all local government units to step up environmental cleanup and get rid of mosquito breeding sites.
Ubial also asked the public to avoid mosquito bites to prevent new infections and spread of the virus. She also urged pregnant women and those who are planning to get pregnant to see the doctors for any illness that they may develop during and around the pregnancy.
Using mosquito nets even during the day is also a must especially for pregnant women.
Source: Philippine Star
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