BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Health affirmed that no Zika virus case is recorded in hospitals and health centers in the region but reminded the public to do regular clean-up drive on possible mosquito breeding sites.
This was reported by DOH Cordillera Medical officer IV Dr. Alexei Marrero in a recent kapihan media forum here.
Marrero explained that that Zika infection which has affected many countries, is a disease transmitted to people through bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that transmits Dengue and Chikungunya.
Mosquitoes that spread Zika bite aggressively during the day and Zika virus can also be transmitted through infected blood or sexual contact and from mother to baby during pregnancy, he added.
Marrero said fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis are the usual symptoms. It may also include muscle pain, headache, pain behind eyes and vomiting.
“The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for 2 to 7 days. People having these signs and symptoms should seek immediate consultation to the nearest health facility”, he stressed.
Marrero reiterates the health department’s call for a regular clean – up drive as cases of dengue in the region remain high.
From January 1 to February 6, 464 cases of suspected Dengue were recorded in the region, an 88 percent increase compared to the same period last year, Marrero reported.
Baguio City and Benguet recorded the most cases with 173 and 158, respectively, he added.
Marrero iterated the DOH Campaign of “Stop, Look and Listen” – stop at 4PM(everyday), look inside and outside the house (for search and destroy of possible dengue mosquito breeding sites) and Listen to health and barangay officials for the proper ways to prevent Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya infections. /JDP/CCD with Dareen Supnet and Faith Roque/PIA – SLU Interns
