Philippines: Zika cases continue rising
The Philippines has recorded six more Zika virus infection cases, bringing the total number of locally-transmitted cases to 23, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told the press on November 4.
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She listed 10 localities where people with Zika virus were found, including Iloilo, Bacoor, Cavite, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Antipolo, Quezon, Calamba, Las Pinas and Cebu.
She said all patients have recovered, adding that Manila’s health department is coordinating with local authorities to monitor the spread of the virus.
The health department advised Filipinos to follow the so-called 4S strategy to combat Zika virus - search and destroy the breeding places of Aedes aegypti mosquitos, seek early diagnoses, self-protective measures and stop indiscriminate fogging.
Zika is mainly transmitted through the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which also carries dengue fever. The virus causes only mild symptoms in most, including fever, sore eyes and a rash. But pregnant women infected with the virus risk can give birth to babies with microcephaly - a deformation that leads to abnormally small heads.
Currently there is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat the disease, which has to date spread to 73 countries.
