DOH records second polio case in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Friday the second recorded case of polio in the Philippines just a day after it announced the resurgence of the deadly infectious disease in the country.

In a statement, the Health Department said a five-year-old boy from Laguna was infected with the virus.

DOH said the case was reported to be from an “immunocompromised child who is suffering from multiple pediatric diseases.”

The department said the minor experienced onset of paralysis on August 25 this year. He was discharged from the hospital and is able to walk but is closely being watched for residual symptoms.

Health Chief Francisco Duque III advised the public to participate in the synchronized polio vaccination.

“We continue to urge parents and caregivers of children below five years old, health workers, and local chief executives to take part in the synchronized polio vaccination to be scheduled in their communities,” he said in the same statement.

Duque also asked the public to “practice good personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, to use toilets, drink safe water, and to cook food thoroughly.”

The first case of polio was cited from a three-year-old girl from Lanao del Sur.

READ: Polio epidemic: DOH confirms resurgence in Philippines