THE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday warned the public that reports on social media of a new epidemic spreading in China have not been confirmed by that country or the World Health Organization (WHO).
On Thursday, social media posts began to circulate that China declared a state of emergency, following an “overwhelming surge” in respiratory illnesses.
The reports claimed that the epidemic was overwhelming hospitals and crematories in China. Some users have shared videos showing crowded hospitals, claiming a rapid proliferation of “multiple viruses,” such as influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19.
Department of Health. TMT FILE PHOTO
The DOH said neither Beijing nor the WHO has confirmed the reports.
It also said the country’s disease surveillance systems are “in place and working” and are “verifying all information.”
Health spokesman Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo cited the agency’s efforts in controlling measles, pertussis, and mpox in 2024.
The DOH called on the public not to share misinformation on the supposed epidemic in China.
“Please do not share questionable websites or online sources. Let us not spread misinformation and confusion,” it said.
Domingo said the DOH “asked WHO official channels and even monitored if there was an outbreak in the said country, and there was none… it is not true, and if it was true, we would find out right away and will update the public.”
Also on Friday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila denied social media claims of a new epidemic involving influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19.
Tom Wu, a representative of the embassy, described the social posts as “fake news” since they lack supporting evidence.
In a separate statement Monday, the WHO continues to urge China to be transparent about the origins of Covid-19.
“We continue to urge China to share data and provide access so that we can better understand the origins of Covid-19. This is both a moral and scientific imperative,” the WHO said.
“Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics, it said.
There is strong evidence showing that Covid-19 first broke out in Wuhan, China.
The Covid pandemic of 2020 killed more than 3.4 million people before it was contained.
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