The Health department denounced the circulating posts online.
On Friday, December 3, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) issued a statement on an alleged international health concern from a certain “cited country.”
As per DOH, “[reliable] sources currently do not support circulating posts on social media about an alleged international health concern. There is no confirmation from either the cited country or the World Health Organization (WHO).”
It added that the country is an “active participant” in the network of WHO Member States that follow the International Health Regulations (IHR).
“This established system is what gives reliable updates about international health concerns.”
The health department also assured that the “Philippine disease surveillance systems are in place and working,” and is “verifying all information, and will keep the Filipino public updated.”
It also pleaded online users to not spread misinformation and sow confusion.
This statement comes amid unfounded claims of a surge in cases of various respiratory cases in China, including COVID-19, Influenza A, and the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has since refuted the rumors in a separate statement issued this week.