DOH: No Zika cases in Cordillera Region

By Dareen Supnet and Faith Roque

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Health affirmed  no Zika virus cases were recorded in hospitals and health centers in the region but still reminded the public about regular clean-up drive for possible mosquito breeding sites.

DOH Cordillera Medical officer IV Dr. Alexei Marrero bared this in a media forum saying Zika infection is a diseases transmitted to people through a bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that transmits Dengue and Chikungunya.

The mosquito spreads Zika and bites aggressively during the day and the virus can also be transmitted through infected blood or sexual contact and from mother to baby during pregnancy, he added.

For signs and symptoms, Marrero said fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis are usual symptoms and may 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,” Marrero said.

Though no Zika infection here in the region, Marrero reiterated the health department’s call for a regular clean – up drive, as cases of dengue in the region remains high.

From Jan. 1 to Feb. 6, there were 464 cases of suspected Dengue 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 also disclosed that like Zika virus no Chikungunya cases was recorded this year for Cordillera.

Nevertheless, Marrero reiterated 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.