Officials of the Department of Health called on pregnant women to refrain from travelling to Iloilo.
The three confirmed cases of Zika virus in the city of Iloilo urged the officials of the Department of Health to issue advisory calling the pregnant women to avoid travelling to the city.
A recent study conducted in Brazil confirmed that Zika virus causes brain damage among newborns.
On Tuesday, DOH confirmed that two other persons living in the same household in Barangay Benedicto, Jaro District are also positive of Zika, following the diagnosis on the 45-year-old woman previously confirmed with the virus.
Following this report, the regional director of DOH Region 6 immediately issued an advisory intended for the pregnant women.
“Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to Iloilo where there is ongoing local transmission,” read an advisory issued by Dr. Marlyn Convocar, director of DOH Region 6.
According to several studies conducted and health authorities, Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects.
Together with the confirmation of the DOH last week, they said that all three patients have already recovered from the mild illness and did not require hospitalization.
None of them were pregnant, too.
Last week, the DOH sent a team to Iloilo after reporting that the incident in Iloilo City is the sixth confirmed Zika case since 2012.
According to Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, the team was tasked to conduct contact tracing and check for other cases.
Ubial said the team found water containers with aedes aegypti eggs– the mosquito carrier of Zika– in the neighborhood of the confirmed cases.
Like dengue fever, Zika is a mosquito-borne infection caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
“Apparently there is still a need to heighten alert for vector control there in the area,” said Ubial. She said a there is a need to conduct cleanup drive to destroy the mosquito breeding sites and fogging operations.
Aside from pregnant women, risks to others are considered “moderate,” but they should practice precautionary measures, including covering exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. It is also advised to use insect repellent approved by the Food and Drug Administration and stay in air conditioned screened places.
Results of various studies revealed that Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, sexual contact, blood transfusion or by a pregnant woman to her fetus