Browsing: Infectious Disease

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a concerning rise in malaria cases in the Philippines.  From January to September 2023, there were 4,777 reported cases, compared to 3,207 cases during the same period in 2022. This uptick highlights the pressing need for proactive measures and public awareness to address the growing threat of malaria in the country. Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, continues to pose a significant global health challenge. In a recent media briefing, Dr Jhobert Bernal, the technical supervisor of the National Reference Laboratories for Malaria and Other Parasites, emphasised the crucial role of early detection and accurate diagnosis in preventing malaria transmission within communities. The importance of timely intervention becomes even more apparent as global malaria cases increase to 247 million in 2021, according to data from the World Health Organization.

The alarming statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for 2022 revealed that pneumonia ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the country. In a recent discussion, experts underscored the critical importance of vaccination as a proactive measure to reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia. Pneumonia continues to be a significant cause of mortality, particularly among older adults and individuals with chronic diseases.

Recent footage capturing crowded conditions in Beijing hospitals has raised global concern over a surge in respiratory infections in China. The Chinese health ministry, however, attributes this increase to flu and other common winter illnesses, not a novel virus. 

The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) has announced the development of a unique antiseptic mouth rinse with enhanced antiviral properties…

 Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa urged the Malaysian public to not panic after rumours of an outbreak became viral on social media. Dr. Zaliha mentioned that several TB cases were detected in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur but emphasised that they were under control.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in typhoid cases across the Philippines. With the Department of Health (DOH) reporting 17,531 cases this year, a 38% increase compared to the same period last year, Senator Go is urging Filipinos to prioritise their health through heightened vigilance, proper hygiene, and timely medical consultation.

Measles cases in the country have surged dramatically by 299% from January to October this year, sounding alarms within the public health sector, as reported by the Department of Health (DOH). The latest data from the DOH’s Disease Surveillance Report shows concerning statistics. 1,829 cases were recorded during this period. This marks a significant increase compared to the same timeframe last year, which garnered 458 cases.

The Bicol Region’s Department of Health is encouraging senior citizens of Legaspi City to receive vaccinations for enhanced defence against diseases, particularly pneumonia and influenza (flu).

Dr. Silverose Ann Bacolcol, Head of Manila Doctors’ Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Office, shared that “Most of the COVID-19 cases we see now are mild to moderate infections and can be managed at home. However, patients who have risk factors for disease progression, such as the elderly, those with co-morbid conditions, and are immunocompromised, need close monitoring and may have to be admitted.”

Dr Bacolcol strongly advised to receive a booster shot. She stated, “people should still receive their booster shots for COVID-19 because the threat of COVID-19 infection still exists and will continue to stay. The US CDC and Philippine DOH recommend the COVID-19 booster to prevent serious illness, hospitalisation, and death due to COVID-19.” About 23 million Filipinos have received a booster shot.

The Philippines, grappling with an alarming TB burden, has witnessed a stark 37 percent decline in TB case notifications in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is stepping in with crucial support, launching a dedicated TB Recovery Plan to bolster the National TB Program’s efforts in combating this scourge. We also spoke with Dr. Hansel E. Ybañez, field operations manager for USAID.