The Philippine Ministry of Health has confirmed three new cases of Zika virus, bringing the number of locally-transmitted Zika virus to 12 cases this year, including a pregnant woman.

The Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through Aedes aegypty mosquito bites and sexual intercourse. (Photo:.freepressjournal.in)

Speaking in a press meeting, Health Minister Paulyn Ubial said that one of the three new cases was reported from the country’s central city of Iloilo.

The minister revealed that all the 12 cases were locally transmitted and they did not travel to any affected country a month before the onset of their illness.

Besides, all of them showed skin rashes with one of the symptoms such as fever, muscle or joint pains and conjunctivitis. However, they have recovered.

Ubial has ordered all health workers, especially in regions where there are Zika cases to be more vigilant and to wage more intensive mosquito control campaigns to eradicate mosquitos.

In early September, the Philippine Government urged people to intensify preventive measures when staying in Zika affected countries and advised pregnant women to avoid travelling to those countries.

The Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through Aedes aegypty mosquito bites and sexual intercourse.

The symptoms of Zika infection include fever, conjunctivitis, headaches and muscle pains. Zika infection during pregnancy may lead to microcephaly in babies, which is responsible for incomplete brain development and an unusually small head.

A vaccine for the Zika virus has yet to be discovered.

(Source: VNA)