WITH Zika virus having more appalling effects among pregnant women, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging expecting mothers to immediately consult doctors if they develop symptoms of the mosquito-borne disease.
According to Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, pregnant mothers with Zika symptoms must not self medicate or else risk developing adverse health effects.
“Pregnant women, who develop illness, should seek advice of doctors before taking any medicine,” said Ubial in a statement.
She said this is despite symptoms of Zika virus known to be easily treated with common pain and fever relief medicines, rest, and plenty of water intakes.
And if symptoms persist, Ubial said they are being advised to consult the nearest health facility.
To note, Zika is a virus that is being transmitted through the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as well as sexual contact.
Its symptoms include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and vomiting.
Majority of Zika cases are found to be asymptomatic but have been linked to congenital CNS malformation among infants, such as microcephaly.
As of February 2, the DOH has already recorded a total of 57 Zika cases, majority of which reported in the National Capital Region (NCR) with 20 cases.
And of the 57 Zika cases, seven were confirmed to be cases involving pregnant women, said the DOH. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)