After cases were reported in the Visayas recently, the Zika virus has made its way to the Philippines’ capital city.
Two new Zika virus cases have been confirmed in Metro Manila, bringing the total cases to 17 so far this year.
According to a report, by the Manila Bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that the new cases were reported in Manila.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial revealed, in a report by ABS-CBN news, that one of the cases was a 27-year old woman in Mandaluyong while the other case was a 42-year-old male living in Makati. Both showed common Zika symptoms such as: fever, rashes, red eyes, and headache. The two have now recovered.
The other 12 cases of Zika in the Philippines were reported in Iloilo. Muntinlupa, Antipolo, and Cebu have one case each.
However, the DOH clarifies that the type of Zika found in the country is different from the strain of Zika found in South America and Africa, which has been linked to severe birth defects, specifically microcephaly. Zika is transmitted by Aedes Egypti, a kind of mosquito endemic to the Philippines.
Even so, they stress the need to seek medical attention as soon as Zika is suspected.
Learn more about Zika virus through the infographic below
READ: More Zika cases confirmed in the Philippines
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