The Department of Health is continuing to do all the measures to prevent the Zika virus from spreading in the country, Malacañang said on Sunday.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. has clarified that the United States travel alert over Zika virus advises people visiting the country to practice enhanced precautions.
“The Department of Health is doing all the measures to prevent the spread of the Zika virus and ensure the safety and health of all the people, including tourists visiting the country,” said Coloma.
The spread of mosquito-borne Zika virus is linked to birth defects.
In the meantime, the DoH stepped up its measures to monitor the Zika virus, under the prevailing Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, Coloma said.
Under the PIDSR, all suspected carriers of the Zika virus must be reported to the DoH within 24 hours and must undergo immediate testing conducted by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and other agencies under the DoH.
The DoH reminded the public to be careful and continue to clean their surroundings which could be nests of mosquitos which carry the Zika virus, Coloma also said.
Those who have symptoms of fever, rashes, and conjunctivitis or red eyes, must consult a doctor in order to prevent the spread of the Zika virus, Coloma said.
Coloma said the agency that released a travel advisory against Zika virus is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States.
Coloma was reacting to reports that the DOH is expecting the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue Level 2 travel notice after an American was infected with the Zika virus last month.