Respiratory virus in China, not new

The Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed that the respiratory illness currently spreading in northern China has not made its way to the Philippines, providing reassurance to the public.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa allayed public fears about the reported increase in pneumonia and respiratory diseases in China that mostly affect children.

"We are monitoring the rise of cases of the respiratory illnesses in China. They've given their reports to WHO (World Health Organization); it is not a new virus," Herbosa said.

"It's part of the seasonal endemic respiratory illness. So, I want to tell the people: don't be worried, we're doing our own surveillance."

Last week, the WHO formally asked China to provide more information about the respiratory illnesses prevailing in its northern territory.

"WHO has made an official request to China for detailed information on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children," the UN health body said in a statement.

In response to the WHO, China reported no "unusual or novel pathogens" in clusters of child pneumonia cases.

Herbosa said the increase in cases of respiratory diseases in China is "common" since they have colder temperatures.

"It's the common diseases like mycoplasma, pneumonia, flu and respiratory disease. Mostly, it affects children," he said. "They have a different weather. It is now winter there. We have to understand that influenza-like cases are common to all temperate countries."

He assured Filipinos that medical facilities throughout the country were fully equipped and prepared.

"Our hospitals are ready, after our experience with Covid-19. Of course, we will be able to feel it as soon as there is a rise in cases going to our emergency rooms," Herbosa said.

He added: "They [medical personnel] are used to it. We can activate it immediately, the same way we activated it during Covid-19 (pandemic). Our countrymen do not have to worry about news reports on respiratory illnesses in China."

The DoH earlier said cases of influenza-like illness in the country were "starting to slow down," with 10,242 cases reported in the last three to four weeks, 20 percent less than the previous two weeks.

However, the department clarified that trends must be interpreted cautiously as cases "may still increase with late reports."