The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday dismissed circulating social media claims about an alleged international health concern, emphasizing that no credible sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have confirmed such reports.
In a public advisory released on January 3, the DOH assured the public of the country’s adherence to the International Health Regulations (IHR), a global system utilized by WHO member states for reliable updates on health concerns.
“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,” the DOH said.
Health officials also underscored the Philippines’ robust disease surveillance systems, which continuously monitor and verify information.
“Our systems are in place and working. The DOH is actively verifying all information and will keep the Filipino public updated,” the advisory added.
The agency avoided mentioning specific claims as they remain unverified, but numerous posts on Facebook and X allege that China has declared a state of emergency due to a “massive surge in respiratory illnesses.”
At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO), which provides updates on confirmed public health events through its Disease Outbreak News (DONs) page, has not released any information about potential health threats in China.
The most recent WHO statement involving China, published on December 30, 2024, called on the country to share details regarding the origins of COVID-19.
As of this writing, neither the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention nor the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China has issued any announcements regarding the circulating claims. (TCSP)
