The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday dismissed reports of an alleged “international health concern” making the rounds on social media.
“Kasalukuyang hindi sinusuportahan ng mga maaasahang mapagkukunan ng impormasyon ang kumakalat na mga social media post tungkol sa isang diumanoy international health concern,” DOH said in a statement.
(Reliable sources of information currently do not support circulating social media posts about an alleged international health concern.)
“Wala itong kumpirmasyon mula sa binanggit na bansa o sa World Health Organization (WHO),” the Department added.
(There is no confirmation from the mentioned country or the World Health Organization.)
The DOH issued the statement amid social media claims about a new epidemic allegedly overwhelming hospitals and crematories in China involving influenza A, HMPV, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has also dismissed the social media posts, calling them “fake news.”
Disease surveillance systems
The DOH emphasized that the Philippines is an active member of the WHO network that follows the International Health Regulations (IHR). This system gives updates on international health concerns.
“Ang mga disease surveillance systems ng Pilipinas ay nasa lugar at gumagana. Aktibong bineberipika ng DOH ang lahat ng impormasyon, at pananatilihing naming updated ang publikong Pilipino,” the DOH said.
(The disease surveillance systems of the Philippines are in place and functioning. DOH is actively verifying all information, and we will keep the public updated.)
“Mangyaring huwag magbahagi ng mga kadudadudang website o online sources. Huwag tayong magpakalat ng maling impormasyon at kalituhan,” it added.
(Please do not share questionable websites or online sources. Let’s not spread misinformation and confusion.)
—Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
