Author: Selena Alzate

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has moved to clarify the status of a potential avian influenza (AI) outbreak in Tarlac province. Recent media reports suggested the presence of bird flu, leading to public concern. However, the DA and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) have confirmed that no notification of an outbreak has been received from the local government.

Several areas in Cavite are to be impacted by an oil spill from MT Terranova, which sank off Lamao Point in Bataan. The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) forecasted that the oil spill would reach Metro Manila by 1 am on Tuesday, 30 July, affecting Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, and Ternate in Cavite.

A tragic incident occurred in Tondo, Manila, as a man was fatally electrocuted amid heavy flooding. The electrocution incident has brought to light the dangers posed by electrical hazards during floods. It also reminded authorities of the need for public safety awareness.

The Oropouche virus (OROV) has recently become a significant concern following the first reported deaths in Brazil. As this arbovirus gains attention, understanding the transmission, symptoms, and implications of Oropouche Virus is crucial for public health.

In the bustling urban centres and tranquil rural areas of the Philippines, a silent epidemic is taking hold: loneliness. 

The recent tragic death of a 13-year-old girl from rabies has highlighted the persistent public health challenge posed by this preventable tropical disease in the Philippines. Jamaica, a young girl from Manila, was bitten by a stray dog and, out of fear and misunderstanding, hid the incident from her parents.

According to recent data, the country has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world. This situation has raised concerns among health officials and international agencies, who are urging immediate action to curb the spread of

A health expert stressed that frequent and proper handwashing with soap and water is a key measure in preventing hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced that online sales of vape products will be suspended starting 20 July 2024. This action is a decisive move aimed at bolstering public health and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. It is part of an effort to address concerns over the accessibility of these products to minors and to enforce controls on their distribution. 

As life expectancy increases, so does the importance of addressing health issues predominantly affecting older adults. One such condition is shingles, a viral infection that, according to health experts, Filipinos over 50 should not underestimate.