Stricter quarantine at ports due to ‘mysterious’ disease from China —DOH

The Department of Health has ordered the stricter monitoring and quarantine measures at the country's points of entry following reported cases of a mysterious disease in the Chinese province of Wuhan.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo told reporters that the DOH was coordinating with the World Health Organization as regards the illness that had patients suffering fever, upper respiratory tract infection like cough and colds, and pneumonia.

“In case meron tayong index of suspicion na medyo mataas, talagang merong history of, for example, ng travel doon sa area kung saan nagkaroon ng mga cases na ito, then we have our hospitals that are ready naman to take them and to admit them in isolation,” Domingo said.

While experts are trying to identify the disease and its cure, the DOH urged the public to wear masks, especially if they are sick, avoid crowded places, and to frequently wash their hands with soap and water.

The Department of Health has yet to issue a travel advisory for China.

Forty four cases have been reported in Wuhan but experts still do not know what the disease is and how it is spread.

“Of the 44 cases, merong 11 who have severe pneumonia and all of the patients are being treated now in isolation," Domingo said.

"Wala namang mortalities. Wala namang namatay dito sa sakit na ito. Pero lahat ng tests kasi na ginawa, negative siya for sars, for the flu virus. Negative din siya for avian flu o yung bird flu. We still do not know what the virus is,” he added.

China is also monitoring some 100 individuals who came in contact with the patients.

The disease is also feared to have entered Hong Kong.

In the Philippines, Domingo said, “Sa atin, wala pa. Ever since we started to put our Bureau of Quarantine on alert nitong new year, wala pa naman tayong nare-report ng cases ng fever or penumonia or any viral respiratory tract infections esp coming from China or Hong Kong.” —NB, GMA News