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Philippines reports two new Zika cases, total at 17 now

Xinhua, October 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Philippines reported on Friday two new cases of Zika virus infection, bringing to 17 the total number of locally-transmitted Zika virus in country this year.

Health Secretary Paulyn Urial told reporters that the two new Zika cases were discovered in the cities of Makati and Quezon in the Philippine capital region.

The Department of Health has advised Filipinos who are experiencing Zika symptoms to immediately consult doctors and to subject themselves to Zika testing.

Zika virus is acquired through bites from infected Aedes aegypti mosquitos, the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya. Common symptoms include fever, skin rash, joint pains and conjunctivitis.

There is no available vaccine to prevent the mosquito-borne virus. But medical experts said the symptoms of Zika virus could be treated with common pain and fever medicine, rest and enough water intake.

Zika is endemic in the Philippines.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that Zika virus infection is "highly likely to further spread in the Western Pacific Region, adding that the region is facing "uncertainties" on how to deal with the mosquito-borne virus.

"Considering the uncertainties, the possibility of observing complications associated with Zika virus infection may increase," the WHO said. Endit