Photos of an alleged virus outbreak in China have been circulating on social media.*
Reliable sources currently do not support circulating posts on social media about an alleged international health concern, the Department of Health spokesman said on Friday, Jan. 3.
Social media posts on Thursday said that China had declared a state of emergency following a virus outbreak in the country.
“There is no confirmation from either the cited country or the World Health Organization (WHO)” of a declaration of a state of emergency, Dr. Albert Domingo, OIC assistant secretary and spokesperson of the DOH, said.
“Please do not share questionable websites or online sources. Let us not spread misinformation and confusion,” he appealed.
The Philippines through the DOH is an active participant in the network of WHO Member States that follow the International Health Regulations (IHR). This established system is what gives reliable updates about international health concerns, he said.
Philippine disease surveillance systems are in place and working, Domingo also assured.
“DOH is actively verifying all information, and will keep the Filipino public updated,” he said.*