The Department of Health assures the public that the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is on alert and is closely watching all seaports and airports in response to reports of a mysterious disease from China.
BOQ was instructed by Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III to intensify the checking of all incoming travelers especially those manifesting fever or signs of respiratory infection.
It has been reported lately that an outbreak of a mysterious illness has affected 44 individuals in China. According to reports, the said disease is similar to a “viral pneumonia of unknown origin”.
Apparently, this report has already sparked fears that the virus could be linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which first appeared in China in November 2002.
The WHO, from their part, is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with national authorities in China.
Many say, it is urgent that the public, especially those with history of travel from China, to seek immediate medical consult if experiencing any flu-like symptoms to prevent the said unknown disease from outbreak.
As for Sec. Duque, he reminds each and every Filipinos to embrace healthy lifestyles, practice proper hand hygiene, and observe cough etiquette to prevent transmission of respiratory infections. This is still the best prevention, he added.
