The Department of Health on Wednesday said the "seasonal endemic" respiratory disease spreading in northern China has not yet reached the Philippines.
In a chance interview, Health Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa allayed public fears about the reported increase of 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.
"So, it's also part of the seasonal endemic respiratory illness. So, I want to tell the people: Don't be worried. We're doing our own surveillance," he added.
He continued: "In the Philippines, we have yet to report a rise in the cases of respiratory illnesses."
Last week, the WHO formally asked China to provide more information about the respiratory illness 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 has reported no "unusual or novel pathogens" in clusters of child pneumonia cases.
Herbosa echoed the same sentiment, stressing that the reported increase in the 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. So, we have to understand that influenza-like cases are common to all temperate countries," he added.
Further, the Health chief stated that medical facilities throughout the country are fully prepared and equipped.
"Our hospitals are now ready. After our experience with COVID-19. Of course, we are able to feel it as soon as there is a rise in cases going to our emergency department," Herbosa said.
"They are used to it. We can activate it immediately, the same way we activated it during COVID-19. So, our fellow countrymen do not have to worry about news reports on respiratory illnesses in China," he added.
The Health department previously said that cases of influenza-like illness in the country are "starting to slow down" with 10,242 cases reported in the recent three to four weeks, 20 percent lower compared to the two weeks prior.
It, however, clarified that trends must be interpreted with caution as cases "may still increase with late reports."
So far, a total of 182,721 ILI cases have been reported in the Philippines.
The increase in the number of ILI cases was previously attributed by the department to the rainy season.
