In an advisory released recently, the Department of Health Western Visayas revealed that they are intensifying their efforts to fight the spread of the Zika Virus in Iloilo, where a total of 9 cases have been confirmed this so far this year.
Zika virus has been known to cause severe birth defects, most common of which is microcephaly.
Zika risk in Iloilo is moderate to low
Though the DOH considers the risk "moderate"--even, low--they strongly caution against visiting the area, if it can be avoided.
For those already in Iloilo, however, the DOH released health precautions such as avoiding too much skin exposure, using insect repellent and staying in air conditioned, closed spaces.
Zika can be transmitted through a number of ways: blood transfusion, sexual contact, mosquito bites or from mother to fetus in utero.
Sun Star Iloilo reports that there is no travel ban, reassuring the public there is no need to panic as the patients who tested positive for Zika are now recuperating in their own homes.
Next page: New Zika cases and DOH precautions
The most common symptoms are similar to a regular flu accompanied by skin rash, conjunctivitis, and joint pain. But, according to the DOH, around 90% of patients do not manifest symptoms.
"The public is urged to be 'good citizens' by maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings, destroying mosquito breeding sites and avoiding mosquito bites," wrote the DOH in their advisory.
The DOH reassured the public that they are intensifying their mosquito-control measures, stressing that "the key to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika is heightened vigilance and stronger community efforts of every households."
9 Zika cases in the Philippines for 2016
According to a Rappler report, there are 6 new confirmed cases of Zika in the country. Four of of the cases were found in Iloilo while the other two patients reside in Laguna and Cebu City. The ages of the patients reportedly range from 9 to 49 years of age. Out of the 9 cases, six are women.
DOH Spokesperson Eric Tayag confirmed to Rappler that all of the new Zika infected patients did not travel out of the country within the month prior to contracting the illness.
He also reassured the public that, if no new Zika cases are documented within the next 45 days, then Iloilo can be declared Zika-free.
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