DOH: No pneumonia outbreak in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — The Department on Health (DOH) on Friday denied that there is an existing pneumonia outbreak in the Philippines.
“There is no reported outbreak. It is flu season and we urge everybody to take extra care not to get infected,” DOH wrote on Twitter.
DOH advised the public then to take extra precaution and be conscious of their health during the flu season.
https://twitter.com/officialdohgov/status/1083670374653411328?s=21
The department was reacting to a Netizen’s false message on Twitter that pneumonia is an existing epidemic in the country.
The screenshot of the message said two of the netizen’s friends have died from pneumonia. The tweet claimed that the “daughter of Atty. Avelino Cruz and the wife of Rene Concordia director of [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] PAGCOR, and right now [Transportation Secretary Arthur] Tugade and [Executive Secretary] Bingbong Medialdea are sick of pneumonia and both are confined.”
Article continues after this advertisement“ER of Asian Hospital & most hospitals are full cos a lot are suffering of PNEUMONIA. Avoid going to crowded places first and traveling. This is airborne and very very scary. Early symptoms are cough, colds & fever. Sore throat too,” the tweet added.
The DOH clarified that “as of December 2018, the number of cases are less than last year, but potential complications such as pneumonia can be prevented by proper hygiene.” /ee
