Four new cases of Zika virus infection were recorded by the Department of Health.
In an ambush interview yesterday in Quezon City, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial disclosed that four new cases of Zika virus infection were recorded in the country.
The Philippines now has more than 20 Zika cases this year, the DoH said.
“There are 23 cases. There are 12 (cases) in Iloilo, one in Muntinlupa, one in Cebu, one in Antipolo, two in Mandaluyong, three in Bacoor, one in Quezon City, one in Calamba, and one in Las Piñas,” Ubial said.
Zika infection is characterized by fever lasting for two to seven days, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting.
Despite being a mild disease, it has become a global concern because of the birth defect being linked to it, which is microcephaly, in which a baby’s head is smaller than ordinary.
None of the new patients is pregnant.
Ubial said that no Zika-related deaths have been reported in the country. (CHARINA CLARISSE L. ECHALUCE)
