A representative of the Foreign Ministry revealed on Monday that China will extend its hand in helping Latin American countries contain the spread of Zika virus.

Zika virus began surfacing in the northeastern part of Brazil in May 2015. Since then, more than 300,000 cases have been reported by January this year.

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"China supports Latin America's epidemic prevention efforts and is willing to cooperate and provide assistance within our capacity," China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a press conference. He further revealed that the country is monitoring of the virus' progress as well as the latest developments. 

Lu reminded Chinese netizens, who are going out of the country and those in the affected areas, to take necessary precautions to avoid contracting the virus. 

Zika is spread through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Affected individuals usually suffer flu-like symptoms like rash, joint pain, fever and red eyes (or conjunctivitis). Symptoms are usually mild that last between days and weeks. 

However, what is alarming is the virus' association to birth defects like microcephaly (or small head) among pregnant women. Since further studies are needed to prove its causal relationship, health experts recommends that expectant mothers (particularly those in their third trimester) or even those who are trying or thinking about becoming pregnant to refrain from travelling to places infected with the virus.

As for non-pregnant travelers, precaution is also necessary including protecting oneself from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, applying insect repellent, staying indoor, and using mosquito net.

Brazil is the worst hit country by the outbreak with more than 3,600 suspected cases of microcephaly in babies associated to Zika. So far, more than 400 cases have been confirmed, up from 270 last week. 

TagsZika virus outbreak, Brazil, Latin America, china, pregnant woman