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Advocates Philippines
DOH Reassures Public Amid Respiratory Illnesses In China
Photo credit: DOH
In response to recent WHO pronouncements on heightened respiratory illnesses among children in northern China since mid-October 2023, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a reassuring advisory to the public.
The surge is linked to eased COVID-19 restrictions and the onset of the cold season, as stated by China's National Health Commission.
The DOH is actively monitoring the situation, collaborating with international health authorities, and emphasizes there is no evidence of novel pathogens or atypical clinical presentations.
Despite media narratives on pneumonia clusters, hospital capacities remain resilient, and the DOH commends China for their heightened surveillance. The advisory encourages against sharing misinformation and calls upon the public to rely on official announcements.
For safety, the voluntary use of masks is encouraged for those with comorbidities and autoimmune diseases.
The DOH reiterates that there is no need for alarm, and the government prioritizes the safety of the Filipino people. They commit to remaining vigilant and providing necessary updates for the public's information.
Since mid-October 2023, the WHO has been monitoring the increase in influenza-like illness in China. Reports of undiagnosed pneumonia clusters in children's hospitals prompted the advisory.
China CDC clarified that case increases were attributed to known infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and influenza. No unusual or novel pathogens were detected, and disease presentation remained typical.
Enhanced surveillance since mid-October contributed to increased detection and reporting of respiratory illnesses. The WHO recommended general preventive measures but no specific measures for travelers and border control at this time.
The DOH, through its Epidemiology Bureau, is in communication with China to gather additional information. Surveillance indicates cases are plateauing, and response measures are in place.
The public is urged, especially children and the elderly, to stay vigilant with protective measures, including voluntary masking, handwashing, ventilation, isolation when ill, and vaccination.
The surge is linked to eased COVID-19 restrictions and the onset of the cold season, as stated by China's National Health Commission.
The DOH is actively monitoring the situation, collaborating with international health authorities, and emphasizes there is no evidence of novel pathogens or atypical clinical presentations.
Despite media narratives on pneumonia clusters, hospital capacities remain resilient, and the DOH commends China for their heightened surveillance. The advisory encourages against sharing misinformation and calls upon the public to rely on official announcements.
For safety, the voluntary use of masks is encouraged for those with comorbidities and autoimmune diseases.
The DOH reiterates that there is no need for alarm, and the government prioritizes the safety of the Filipino people. They commit to remaining vigilant and providing necessary updates for the public's information.
Since mid-October 2023, the WHO has been monitoring the increase in influenza-like illness in China. Reports of undiagnosed pneumonia clusters in children's hospitals prompted the advisory.
China CDC clarified that case increases were attributed to known infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and influenza. No unusual or novel pathogens were detected, and disease presentation remained typical.
Enhanced surveillance since mid-October contributed to increased detection and reporting of respiratory illnesses. The WHO recommended general preventive measures but no specific measures for travelers and border control at this time.
The DOH, through its Epidemiology Bureau, is in communication with China to gather additional information. Surveillance indicates cases are plateauing, and response measures are in place.
The public is urged, especially children and the elderly, to stay vigilant with protective measures, including voluntary masking, handwashing, ventilation, isolation when ill, and vaccination.
Nov 29, 2023
