“Philippine Health Department Keeps Close Watch on Respiratory Illness Outbreak in China” – ANC

The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines is closely monitoring an outbreak of a respiratory illness in China, as concern grows worldwide about the spread of the virus. The outbreak is thought to have originated in the city of Wuhan in central China, and has since spread to other cities within the country, as well as to other countries including Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

The DOH has been working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health organizations to monitor the situation and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to the Philippines. According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the DOH is closely monitoring all entry points into the country, including airports and seaports, and implementing stricter screening measures for travelers arriving from affected areas.

The respiratory illness is believed to be caused by a new strain of coronavirus, a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses in humans, from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Symptoms of the new strain of coronavirus include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death.

The DOH has advised the public to practice good hygiene, such as regularly washing hands with soap and water, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. The public is also advised to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of the illness, especially if they have recently traveled to affected areas in China.

In light of the outbreak, the DOH has also urged the public to refrain from visiting live markets in China, where the virus is believed to have originated, and to avoid contact with animals, dead or alive, in these markets.

The Philippines has a strong public health system, and the DOH is working proactively to ensure that the country remains prepared to deal with any potential cases of the respiratory illness. Health facilities have been put on alert to identify and manage any suspected cases, and the DOH has also been educating health workers on the necessary precautions to take when dealing with patients who may have been exposed to the virus.

With the global spread of the respiratory illness, it is crucial for all countries to work together to contain the outbreak and prevent it from becoming a pandemic. The DOH is committed to working with international partners to ensure the health and safety of the Filipino people, and will continue to provide updates and guidance as the situation develops.