FOLLOWING the health issues on measles, polio, and dengue in 2019, there is a mysterious disease from China that is worrying the Department of Health (DOH) as 2020 begins.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the WHO China Country Office received information of "cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology (unknown cause) detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China."
As of January 3, 2020, WHO said there are already 44 patients with "pneumonia of unknown etiology" based on reports from Chinese authorities. The patients were dealers or vendors in the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan. WHO said the cause of the mysterious disease has yet to be identified or confirmed. However, the agency said it is possible that it could be linked to animals.
"The clinical signs and symptoms are mainly fever, with a few patients having difficulty in breathing, and chest radiographs showing invasive lesions of both lungs," WHO said.
It added that, "Based on the preliminary information from the Chinese investigation team, no evidence of significant human-to-human transmission and no health care worker infections have been reported."
In the Philippines, the DOH has instructed the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to intensify the checking of all incoming travelers, especially those manifesting fever or signs of respiratory infection.
"The BOQ is on alert and is closely watching all seaports and airports in response to reports of a mysterious disease from China," DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
Based on WHO's statement, there seems to be nothing to panic about right now. However, it has issued an advisory for public health officials to be cautious of the disease.
"WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the current information available on this event," it said.
WHO has recommended government agencies to implement public health measures and surveillance of influenza and severe acute respiratory infections.
"We urge the public, especially those with history of travel from China, to seek immediate medical consultation if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms," Duque said.
With the growing number of links between Chinese cities and the Philippines, it is just about right that the government is implementing strict measures to ensure that the disease does not spread.
Prevention is better than cure they say. In this case, while we are waiting for WHO and health officials determine the cause of the disease, let us be vigilant when we travel and cooperate with the health officials.