DOH: Plague risk to PH ‘very low’
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said the risk of pneumonic plague in the Philippines remains “very low” as it monitors the investigation into the death of a laboratory worker in Irkutsk, Russia.
The department noted that the cause of the worker’s death has yet to be confirmed, adding that Russian authorities have not established a link to the disease.
“What is known so far is that the worker expired of pneumonia. The specific cause is still being investigated,” the DOH said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk as “low” in Russia and “very low” in the European Region, the department had also noted.
Expert’s view
Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante also said the likelihood of the disease spreading to other countries was low, citing quarantine measures and testing in Russia.
“There seems to be zero possibility that it will reach the Philippines … because they have already placed people under quarantine, are controlling it and are conducting a lot of tests,” Solante said in an interview with dzBB on Oct. 8.
Although Solante acknowledged the possibility of the disease spreading, he said the public had no reason to worry at the moment.
Pneumonic plague is a severe form of plague that affects the lungs. It can spread between people through respiratory droplets during close contact but is treatable with antibiotics, particularly when detected early.
‘We are prepared’
The DOH, meanwhile, said the country is prepared to respond should a case arise.
“Rest assured that we are prepared to respond. A recent evaluation affirmed our capacity to meet the International Health Regulations,” the department said in an earlier statement.
The Bureau of Quarantine is conducting airport screening based on travelers’ histories and for fever, while surveillance for rodents and rodent fleas in incoming cargo and vessels is also being implemented, the DOH said.
“Should it be needed, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine can test for plague, and designated hospitals can isolate and treat suspect cases,” it added.
The DOH said no special precautions were necessary at the moment but urged the public to continue practicing everyday habits that help prevent common illnesses.
It also cautioned the public against misinformation and advised them to get updates from reliable sources, including the official DOH and WHO pages.
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