Philippines reports first Zika case in pregnant woman
Zika-infected pregnant women can give birth to babies with microcephaly, a deformation marked by abnormally small brains and heads
The Philippines on Monday reported its first known case of a pregnant woman infected with the Zika virus that threatens unborn babies, as authorities warned people to avoid mosquitoes.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said 12 cases of Zika had been detected across the Philippines this month, including a 22-year-old woman from the central island of Cebu who is 19 weeks’ pregnant with her first child.
“Initial ultrasound did not detect any foetal abnormalities. She will be monitored regularly during the entire period of the pregnancy,” the health department said.
Zika-infected pregnant women can give birth to babies with microcephaly, a deformation marked by abnormally small brains and heads.
Of the country’s 12 Zika cases, eight were female and ranged in age from 9 to 55, the department said.