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Thursday, May 08, 2003
Arroyo urges calm amid new Sars cases
By She Caguimbal-Torres
MANILA -- President Arroyo urged the public Wednesday to remain calm following the discovery of seven fresh cases of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), bringing the total number of people affected with the disease to 10.
Panic over Sars may cause more damage than the actual disease, other government officials warned Wednesday.
In asking for calm, Arroyo said in a statement that authorities had been very vigilant and this paved the way for the immediate discovery and treatment of other Sars cases.
"The vigilance of our health authorities is commendable. They have quickly identified new cases and unearthed loopholes in the quarantine system. We shall maintain this policy of transparency and extreme case. The government is already taking corrective measures that will see through the recovery of patients," she said.
Arroyo said that while she wanted people calm, they should also be fully alert.
"Review the preventive measures prescribed by the health department and observe them religiously. The key to fighting this disease is individual diligence and discipline. Be accountable for yourself and for the welfare of others," she added.
Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit, in a report to the members of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), said the country is likely to be declared Sars-free again if no case of the atypical pneumonia is reported in the next 20 days.
Consequences
But Dayrit said the "non-health consequences" of Sars "can turn out more grave...if we do not contain the hysteria."
"We're fighting an infection and we're fighting hysteria," Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit said, referring to rumors and sensationalistic tabloid news reports.
He assured the public that health authorities and members of the Sars crisis management committee, which he heads, are closely monitoring the development in relation to the Sars virus.
The health department this week reported seven fresh cases of Sars, bringing the total to 10 in the Philippines, with two deaths.
Dayrit cited the case of Alcala town, north of Manila, where the two Sars fatalities originated. Despite the government's statements that the area was now SARS free, no one was buying the produce from the farming community.
Panic over Sars had led to one central province blocking a bridge to keep supposed victims out.
Fear had also resulted in mass buying of protective facemasks even in areas with no Sars cases. "This really irrational behavior," caused a shortage of facemasks for health workers who really need them, Dayrit said.
Roman Catholic church leader Cardinal Jaime Sin issued a separate circular Wednesday, saying that, "The last thing that should be encouraged at this point is a state of panic and mass hysteria among our people."
"This mode may put our people at greater risk than the disease itself because it can drive them to close their minds to what may be difficult, but proven, steps to stem the spread of the illness."
Diligence
Sin urged priests "to guide their flock to the path of proper awareness and action regarding this disease."
Last month the cardinal ordered changes in liturgical rites to prevent the spread of the virus during masses.
Arroyo, a devout Catholic, echoed the cardinal's call, saying that the key to combating the disease was through "individual diligence and discipline."
Dayrit, on the other hand, said he is confident the country can become Sars-free again, saying the latest victims of the disease have recovered.
Asked if Vitamin C was really effective in strengthening the immune system to fight the virus causing Sars, Dayrit said the use of "virgin coconut oil" was more reliable.
He said experiments have been conducted recently and initial results show that the use of "virgin coconut oil" has been found to be helpful in preventing and possibly curing Sars.
"Virgin coconut oil" is extracted from fresh coconut meat by pressing the coconut meat for its milk. The oil would then be separated from the milk either through boiling, fermentation, refrigeration or mechanical centrifuge.
Dayrit said it would not hurt to try the oil, noting that the country has an abundant supply of coconuts. With AFP
(May 8, 2003 issue)
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