DOH to Pinoys: Observe safe sex abroad

MANILA, Philippines – As the Zika virus sweeps the world, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday advised Filipinos coming from affected countries to practice safe sex.

DOH spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy said it is not known how long the virus stays in a person’s body, thus “it would be of help” if those who come from countries that have reported Zika to use protection when having sex.

The advisory came after the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a case where a woman gave birth to a child with Zika although she was not infected with the virus. Authorities later traced the infection to the child’s father.

“It (safe sex) may be of help. It’s difficult to advise abstinence (from sex) because we don’t know how long the virus remains in the body,” Lee Suy said during a forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians.

Aside from practicing safe sex, WHO called for a delay in pregnancy as researchers continue to find solutions to the Zika problem.

Lee Suy noted that unlike dengue and chikungunya, 75 percent of Zika patients do not show symptoms. 

“That is a challenge – 75 percent of infected patients will not present any manifestation. But if you came from Zika-affected countries and you develop symptoms, see a doctor immediately to prevent the virus from spreading in case you are infected,” he added.

Asked about Filipino athletes who are going to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics from Aug. 5 to 21, Lee Suy said the DOH is not yet going to issue a travel advisory on “whether they should go there or not.”

“We want our athletes to focus on their training. Let us see what will be the situation in July. Brazil and the International Olympic Committee are looking into this as well,” he added.