THE Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday ordered a strict check on incoming travelers at the airports and seaports amid reports of a mysterious disease in China, with symptoms similar to pneumonia but with fatal results in some cases.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III also assured the public that the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is closely watching all those traveling to the country.
He said he gave orders 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,” Duque said.
According to reports, the said disease is similar to a “viral pneumonia of unknown origin.” Duque urged the public, “especially those with history of travel from China, to seek immediate medical consultation if experiencing any flu-like symptoms.”
He also encouraged the public to “embrace healthy lifestyles, practice proper hand hygiene, and observe cough etiquette to prevent transmission of respiratoryinfections.”
