Sen. Richard J. Gordon said yesterday that the Department of Health should monitor and put in place preparations in the event that the “mystery disease” from Wuhan, China spreads.
“The cause of the ‘mystery’ disease has not been determined and thus far, there has been no reported human-to-human transmission. Until the cause is known, there is no need for undue panic or anxiety,’’ Gordon said.
Given the significant number of workers from China, including those involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations in the country, Gordon said it is prudent for the Philippines to ask them to declare if they have travelled to Wuhan.
“And if so, they should be requested to be subjected to screening and a temperature check with minimum inconvenience as they enter the country,’’ he said.
“Meanwhile, the situation needs to be monitored and preparations should be in place in the event that the disease spreads,’’ he added.
The Department of Health has instructed the Bureau of Quarantine to intensify its screening of incoming travelers in response to the mystery disease.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III instructed the bureau to be on alert and closely watch all incoming travelers, especially those “manifesting fever or signs of respiratory infection,” in all seaports and airports in the country.
“It has been reported lately that an outbreak of a mysterious illness has affected 44 individuals in China,” said Duque.
“According to reports, the said disease is similar to a ‘viral pneumonia’ of unknown origin,”’ he added. (Mario Casayuran and Analou de Vera)
