Pregnancy of Zika-positive Woman in Cebu Not Yet Affected by Virus —DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said the baby inside the womb of a 22-year-old woman who tested positive for Zika has so far showed no defects.

DOH spokesperson Eric Tayag said in a Balitanghali interview that no deformities or abnormalities were found in the initial ultrasound performed on the 19-week pregnant woman in Cebu, who have been confirmed to have contracted Zika virus last week.

Tayag said the DOH will continue to monitor the condition of the patient as well as her baby.

“Ang ulat naman sa ibang bansa, hanggang two percent ang mga babaeng na-infect ng Zika virus at nagbuntis na maaring mag-silang sa baby na merong microcephaly. Sana po kabilang siya dun sa ligtas po ang baby,” Tayag said.

In a separate report by Cedric Castillo on Balitanghali, Tayag said that the patient’s baby may no longer be affected by the virus.

“Pangkaraniwan, naapektuhan ang utak ng fetus ng baby sa unang trimester, iyong unang 13 linggo. Eh 19th week na siya.”

The DOH on Monday announced that the pregnant woman from Cebu

Tayag made the same statement on Monday reported that three new cases of locally-transmitted Zika virus have been recorded, bringing to 12 the number of cases in the Philippines so far this year.

Meanwhile, Tayag said that the DOH has not issued any travel advisories for Iloilo, where majority of the cases were recorded.

“Wala kaming travel advisory na nagbabawal, kasama ng mga buntis, na bumisita sa Iloilo,” Tayag said.

Tayag reiterated to the public to practice “4S” to prevent the spread of Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue and chikungunya.

The 4S means: Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, use Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than 2 days, and Say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak. —Rie Takumi/ALG, GMA News

(Source: GMAnetwork.com)