DOH cautions against ‘tuob,’ UV light devices

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday cautioned the public against relying on “tuob”­—a folk remedy involving steam inhalation—as a way to prevent Covid-19, saying there was still no scientific study proving it could kill the new coronavirus.

The vapor could transmit the virus and further spread the disease, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at an online press briefing.

“The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization, also denied that steam inhalation can cure COVID-19,’’ Vergeire said.

Steam inhalation may also cause an increase in nasal secretions and accidental skin burns, she explained.

Vergeire issued the warning following reports that the provincial government of Cebu had encouraged employees to practice “tuob’’ as a preventive measure against the severe respiratory disease.

The DOH also warned against the use of devices emitting ultraviolet (UV) light that can supposedly disinfect objects or surfaces, saying they should be used only in hospitals, clinics and other health-care centers.

“These [devices] cannot be used as substitute for manual cleansing using bleach solution or alcohol to remove contaminants from … surfaces,” she added. “They may cause damage to one’s sight, skin irritation and burns, and increase the risk of skin cancer,” she added.

778 more cases

The DOH on Thursday reported 778 more coronavirus infections in the country, bringing the national total to 33,069. Among the fresh cases, 250 are from Metro Manila and 72 are from Central Visayas, while the remaining 93 are from other areas across the country.

Among the late cases, 202 are from Metro Manila, while 34 are also from Central Visayas.

The department also reported that 255 more patients had recovered from the disease, bringing to 8,910 the total number of recoveries.

There were eight more fatalities, pushing the death toll to 1,212.

Vergeire said the spike in the number of cases could be attributed to the country’s increasing testing capacity and the easing of community quarantine restrictions.

“According to our data, our health-care system has sufficient capacity. But we are monitoring emerging hot spots outside the National Capital Region,” she said. —TINA SANTOS