In Iloilo City, health officials were investigating where and how a 45-year-old woman was infected by the Zika virus.
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Federal guidance on the Zika virus recommends mosquito control measures where applicable and advises schools not to remove or quarantine infected students or staff since the virus can’t be transmitted by casual contact.
Researchers have found that the Zika virus can live in eyes, and research in mice may help explain why some Zika patients develop eye disease, including a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss.
For women in particular, the World Health Organization says those who have had unprotected sex and do not wish to become pregnant due to concerns about Zika virus infection should have ready access to emergency contraceptive services and counselling; and pregnant women should practice safer sex or abstain from sexual activity for at least the whole duration of the pregnancy.
In the study, about every third of all babies infected in the uterus with Zika show eye disease such as inflammation of the optic nerve, retinal damage or blindness after birth. Diamond added saying that “We need to consider whether people with Zika have infectious virus in their eyes and how long it actually persists”.
Dr. Van Philip Baton, Medical Officer of Department of Health (DOH-7) said during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 7, said that as of now, there is no record of suspected cases with zika virus here in the region.
The study said the eyes of the mice also might be used to test anti-Zika drugs.
Samples of mouse tears were taken 28 days after infection, according to the researchers.
The study suggests that the eye could be a reservoir for the virus. Apte is a professor of ophthalmology and visual science.
“The most likely explanation of available evidence from outbreaks of Zika virus infection and clusters of microcephaly is that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities including microcephaly”, the statement said.
Also, the eyes of mice could be used to test anti-Zika drugs, the authors suggested.
Health Commissioner Michelle Davis said Wednesday that she had known the study was under way but had not seen the report.
The ongoing Zika outbreak has been largely confined to South and Central America and the Caribbean.
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While the Zika-carrying mosquito exists in far-north Queensland, Dr Senanayake said the chance of it spreading locally is “very low” because health authorities are monitoring it. “These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and they can also bite at night”, said Baton.
