Browsing: Infectious Disease

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 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.

The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to tackle Q fever bacteria from imported goats. To protect public health, DOH is rolling out an assessment of risks to human health status. Q fever, attributed to the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a disease found in animals that can be transmitted to humans. This collaboration highlights the critical need for joint efforts in managing diseases that affect both humans and animals.

As the rainy season descends upon Davao City, the City Health Office (CHO) has issued a bulletin warning residents about the increased risk of leptospirosis. This bacterial disease, which affects both humans and animals, is primarily spread through the urine of infected animals. With the region experiencing frequent flooding, the potential for outbreaks has heightened, prompting the CHO to take proactive measures to safeguard public health.