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Philippine church joins in Zika information campaign

Workers teach preventative techniques to vulnerable populations
Philippine church joins in Zika information campaign
Published: February 09, 2016 07:53 AM GMT
Updated: February 09, 2016 07:54 AM GMT

The church in the Philippines is offering its contribution in the effort to combat the spread of the Zika virus in the country, joining the widespread awareness campaign prepared by the government.

Camillian Father Dan Vicente Cancino, secretary of the Commission for Health for the Philippine bishops' conference, said that in several dioceses, ecclesial teams have teamed with local officials committed to informing people living in areas at risk, reported Fides, information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

"The population exposed is the same that is vulnerable to dengue," Father Cancino said.

He also urged the government to a stronger and determined commitment to combat an epidemic that has already taken hold in the Americas.

"We need to create more awareness about the Zika virus. Since it is a new virus, there are still many people who do not know about it and do not know the preventive measures," he said.

There is still no specific treatment or vaccine to prevent the Zika virus.

The virus, transmitted by a mosquito, has mild symptoms but is very dangerous to unborn children. The most affected countries are Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador.

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