DOH on High Alert Over Reports of ‘Mysterious’ Disease

The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered a strict screening of incoming travelers at all airports and seaports following the reports of a mysterious disease in China.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque, in a statement said the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) is on high alert status and closely watching all ports for travelers coming to the country, especially those showing signs of fever or respiratory infection.

The country has tightened the screenings through the Bureau of Quarantine making sure that all ports of entry have quarantine officers.

Based on reports, an outbreak of a mysterious illness affected 44 individuals in China. The disease is similar to a “viral pneumonia of unknown origin”.

“I urge the public, especially those with history of travel from China, to seek immediate medical consult if experiencing any flu-like symptoms,” Duque said.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said there’s no travel advisory for China yet despite reported cases of mysterious disease in Wuhan province but DOH is coordinating with WHO and implementing International Health Regulations.

“Of the 44 cases in Wuhan, 11 have severe pneumonia. All being treated now in isolation. Wala namang namatay dito sa sakit na ito. Pero negative siya for SARS, for the flu virus, for avian flu o bird flu. We still do not know what the virus is,” Domingo said.

Domingo said, patients’ symptoms include fever, upper respiratory tract infection like cough and colds, and pneumonia.

For protection, Domingo advised the public to wear masks, especially if sick, avoid crowded places and frequently wash hands with soap and water. (PIA-NCR)