Two more
cases of Zika virus infection were recorded in the Philippines,
increasing the total number of cases this year to 17, the Department of
Health (DOH) disclosed yesterday.
Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial,
during a press briefing yesterday, said the two new cases were both
recorded in Metro Manila.
“As of October 13, we have now 17 cases
reported. Still 12 [cases] from Iloilo City and surrounding areas. One
in Muntinlupa, one Cebu, Antipolo City [has] one, and we have one case
from Mandaluyong [which is a] new case and one new case Makati City,”
she said.
Zika infection is characterized by fever
lasting for two to seven days, rash, joint pains, conjunctivitis,
muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting.
Though not a life threatening condition,
Zika virus infection is a major concern among expectant mothers since
the infection has been linked to the microcephaly – a birth defect
characterized by a physically smaller head accompanied by neurological
deficits.
Fortunately, the female patient from Metro Manila is not pregnant.
“Case 16 is a 27-years-old female [from
Mandaluyong]. Case 17th is 42-year-old male [from Makati]. [The female
patient is] not pregnant,” she stated.
As this developed, the DOH renewed its
call for the public to practice the 4S strategy in a bid to combat the
mosquito-borne diseases.
“We still advocate 4S, especially us
being in the rainy season. We expect a large mosquito population now.
Bringing down the mosquito population is the best strategy to prevent
infections,” said Ubial.
4S stands for: Search and destroy
mosquito-breeding places; use Self-protection measures; Seek early
consultation for fever lasting more than two days; and Saying no to
indiscriminate fogging.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Share It To Your Friends!
Loading...