Browsing: Infectious Disease

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported the first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Philippines for 2024. This new case brings the total number of recorded mpox cases in the country to 10. The last case was documented in December 2023, and all previous patients have since recovered.

Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to adopt a more aggressive approach to combating the disease. This is amid growing concerns over a potential surge in leptospirosis cases following recent floods. 

The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD-5) has issued a call for vigilance and action. This is due to a significant increase in dengue cases across the region. The agency reported a 40-percent rise in dengue infections compared to the same period last year. This prompted renewed efforts to combat the spread of the disease through the “4S” strategy.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore has assessed the risk of the severe mpox clade I variant spreading to the country as low.

On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency, marking the second time in two years that the viral infection has reached such a critical level. This declaration follows a significant outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has rapidly spread to neighbouring countries, raising international concern.

Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo has called on PhilHealth to expand its coverage to include the costs of treatment for leptospirosis and tetanus. This appeal has been made in light of the frequent natural disasters affecting the nation. 

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.

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.

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reports an increase in cases of childhood paralysis due to polio in Indonesia. Since the beginning of 2022, 12 cases of paralysis have been recorded in eight provinces, caused by poliovirus types two and one.

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.