国际英语新闻:Zika cases in Philippines continue to rise

MANILA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine health secretary said on Friday that the government has recorded six more cases of Zika virus infections in recent days, bringing the total number of locally-transmitted cases to 23.

"There are 23 cases now," Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told reporters during a press round-table.

She said 12 cases were reported in Iloilo, a province in central Philippines, three in Bacoor, Cavite, two from Mandaluyong City, and one each from Muntinlupa City, Antipolo City, Quezon City, Calamba, Las Pinas and Cebu City.

She said all patients have recovered from the symptoms like conjunctivitis, sores and fever. The health department in Manila is in coordination with local government units to monitor the spread of the virus.

The health department has advised Filipinos to stick to the so-called 4S strategy to combat the mosquito-borne virus: search and destroy the breeding places of Aedes aegypti mosquitos, seek early consultation, self-protective measures and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

Zika virus is acquired through bites from infected Aedes aegypti mosquitos, the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya. Common symptoms include fever, skin rash, joint pains and conjunctivitis.