
ILOILO – Despite the Department of Health (DOH) dismissing reports of an alleged “international health concern” circulating on social media, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reiterated its call for vigilance and proactive health measures among Ilonggos.
The DOH issued a public advisory on Friday, January 3, clarifying that the reports, which claimed a new epidemic was overwhelming hospitals in China, were baseless. Nevertheless, IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon emphasized the need for continued health precautions.
“While these reports are being closely monitored, the PHO emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in protecting your health,” said Quiñon.
The IPHO outlined the following preventive measures to combat the spread of respiratory diseases:
* Practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette.
* Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
* Maintain physical distancing in crowded places.
* Keep flu and pneumonia vaccinations up to date.
Quiñon also urged residents to visit the nearest Primary Care Facilities for free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, particularly during the cold season. Priority groups include health workers, senior citizens, and individuals with co-morbidities.
The precautionary measures follow viral social media claims on January 2 about an epidemic in China allegedly involving influenza A, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.
DOH dismissed these reports as misinformation, stating: “Reliable sources currently do not support circulating posts on social media about an alleged international health concern. There is no confirmation from either the cited country or the World Health Organization (WHO).”
As an active participant in the WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR), the Philippines relies on an established surveillance system for reliable updates on global health concerns.
The DOH appealed to the public to avoid sharing questionable information online. “Let us not spread misinformation and confusion,” it urged.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines also denounced the social media claims as “fake news.”
It has been nearly five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, forced global lockdowns.
In 2023, the WHO declared the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency.
The IPHO’s call for vigilance underscores the importance of maintaining public health safeguards even as the world moves forward from past health crises./PN