Philippine gov't asks public to be alert after foreigner found positive of Zika virus
Xinhua, March 7, 2016 Adjust font size:
The Philippine government called on Monday the public to be alert, informed and calm after an American resident was diagnosed to have Zika virus upon her return to the United States from Manila.
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin has pointed out this is a single case and they are coordinating with the U.S.-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the profile of the patient, including information on places she visited in the Philippines.
She added that there is "no epidemic and no outbreak" of those who could be infected with the virus.
"Most importantly, the DOH is prepared in terms of detection, isolation and treatment of those who could possibly be infected by the virus," she said.
The U.S.-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that the adult non-pregnant U.S. resident who was confirmed positive with Zika virus had a travel history of four weeks in the Philippines in January.
She developed an illness with symptoms of fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, and muscle pain during her last week in the Philippines before returning to the United States.
According to the World Health Organization there are 55 countries and territories that have reported local Zika transmission from January 2007 to March 2016. Endit