MANILA. The Department of Health (DOH) has dismissed social media reports about an alleged “international health concern,” stating there is no confirmation from the World Health Organization (WHO) or the country in question.
“Kasalukuyang hindi sinusuportahan ng mga maaasahang mapagkukunan ng impormasyon ang kumakalat na mga social media post tungkol sa isang diumanoy international health concern,” the DOH clarified in a statement.
The statement came in response to viral social media claims alleging that hospitals and crematories in China are being overwhelmed due to a supposed epidemic involving influenza A, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.
“Wala itong kumpirmasyon mula sa binanggit na bansa o sa World Health Organization (WHO),” the DOH emphasized.
Chinese Embassy Calls Posts “Fake News”
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines also refuted the claims, describing them as “fake news” and urging the public to verify information before sharing unverified posts online.
DOH: Surveillance Systems in Place
The DOH reassured the public of the country’s readiness and vigilance against health threats, highlighting its membership in the WHO network and adherence to International Health Regulations (IHR), which provide timely updates on global health concerns.
“Ang mga disease surveillance systems ng Pilipinas ay nasa lugar at gumagana. Aktibong bineberipika ng DOH ang lahat ng impormasyon, at pananatilihing naming updated ang publikong Pilipino,” the department said.
In addition, the DOH called on the public to be cautious about sharing unverified information:
“Mangyaring huwag magbahagi ng mga kadudadudang website o online sources. Huwag tayong magpakalat ng maling impormasyon at kalituhan,” the statement added.
As of now, the DOH advises the public to rely on verified sources of information and remain vigilant against false narratives that may cause unnecessary panic.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
