Philippines confirms first locally acquired Zika case
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on September 5 the country’s first reported case of the Zika virus infection this year, and the sixth recorded case in the country since 2012.
The DOH said that the infection was locally acquire as the victim, a 45-year-old married woman from Iloilo City, did not travel to any Zika-affected country in the past two weeks.
She tested positive for the virus after undergoing blood and urine tests. But she was discharged the next day and is now recovering at home.
Her husband has yet to be tested for Zika, since the virus can be sexually transmitted.
The Department of Health is expecting more Zika cases as they intensify surveillance efforts, said Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial. DOH Usec. Bayugo said the agency has been monitoring “sporadic” Zika cases in the country.
The department has also coordinated with local officials to intensify mosquito-control efforts, including targeted fogging. It is also sending a team to Iloilo City to check if there are more cases of the virus in the area.
Zika, which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, presents as “a very mild illness” according to the DOH. However, pregnant women are especially vulnerable since it can cause microcephaly in babies.
The public is reminded to destroy mosquito breeding sites, use approved insect repellents, and cover exposed skin to avoid getting infected.
Ubial urged people experiencing symptoms including skin rashes, fever, red eyes, and headache to immediately consult with government health agencies. “The key to Zika prevention is heightened vigilance and stronger community efforts that every household should observe,” said Ubial.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers Zika as a public health emergency of international concern.
Dr. Gundo Weiler, WHO Representative to the Philippines, said there are now 72 countries affected by the Zika virus, while 19 out of 37 countries in the Western Pacific region have reported local transmission of the virus.
The Philippines’ neighboring country Singapore has recently reported more than 240 Zika cases.
Weiler said WHO will develop a national action plan for Zika and will continue to support the DOH in its efforts to fight an outbreak.
