Prepare for zika, Noy orders DOH

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the safety of the public amid concerns over the zika virus that has infected people in other countries, particularly Brazil.

Meanwhile, a Filipina is reportedly being observed in a hospital in Latin America for suspected zika virus infection, cardiologist and STAR columnist Willie Ong said yesterday.

Aquino urged Filipinos to be vigilant and lessen the risk of the virus’ spread in the country.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III said Aquino was aware of the threat of the virus and had instructed the DOH to address it.

Ong said the information was relayed to him by one of his followers on Facebook, who happens to be a relative of the patient.

“I was able to talk to this person and it appears that the patient is a suspected case of zika. The patient may come home and it is important for DOH to have clear screening procedures for people coming from countries that have zika cases,” Ong said.

Health officials said the mosquito species that carry the zika virus is the same vector that causes dengue and chikungunya.

The World Health Organization said the zika virus is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms include mild fever, skin rashes and conjunctivitis, which normally last for two to seven days.

Health officials said the agency might not be able to assess all travelers from countries where zika virus infections have been reported.

“By the time the manifestations are seen, they may have been bitten by the mosquito. But we can lessen the risk if we will be having a coordinated effort on vector control,” the DOH said.

Based on information, Quezon said the zika virus is not easily transmittable and similar precautions against dengue had been issued.

“All of us should make sure that our fellowmen are healthy and safe, especially the pregnant mothers. Make sure there is no stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed,” Quezon said.

Since the airport thermal scanners might not be able to detect the infection, Ong said there should be clear guidelines for those who might develop the symptoms later.

“Those from countries with reported zika cases should be reminded to observe themselves. If a symptom appears, they must see a doctor immediately,” he said, as he stressed the need for the government to provide support to migrant Filipino workers who might be infected by the virus.

Quezon urged residents to immediately report to the nearest health center any observation of dengue outbreak or related diseases in their areas.

He said Filipinos should be vigilant and ensure personal health and safety.

The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947. In May 2015, an outbreak was documented in Brazil and subsequently in several other countries.

“The incubation period of zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days,” WHO said. – Aurea Calica, Sheila Crisostomo