By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Nancy Binay said on Monday (11 Dec 2023) that the government must use the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and apply the precautions to prevent escalation of “walking pneumonia” and other respiratory illnesses.

“Sana gamitin natin ang mga lessons na napulot natin dito para ma-manage nang mabuti ang mga nakahahawang sakit at hindi na naman maging public health emergency,” Binay said.

The Department of Health (DOH) recently reported that there have been four cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, also known as “walking pneumonia,” from January to November this year.

The DOH clarified that the four cases were not new and had been detected among those who got infected with influenza-like illness (ILI).

Binay said that given the high number of respiratory cases and another expected increase in January, the government should put in place the appropriate and necessary measures to ensure the public health system is not pushed to the limit.

The senator also echoed the health department’s call for the public to observe minimum public health protocols to avoid being infected with the disease, especially as the holiday season approaches.

“Holiday season na at kasagsagan na rin ng mga Christmas party, reunion, at iba pang social gathering. Gawin na rin sana nating Christmas gift sa bawat isa ang pagiging mindful na maaari tayong makahawa,” Binay said.

(ai/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that all four cases of “walking pneumonia” have successfully recovered.

“Only 4 (0.08%) of the confirmed influenza-like illness cases from January to November 25, 2023, were attributed to M. pneumoniae or ‘Walking Pneumonia.’ All these cases have now been recovered. More than half of the confirmed ILI cases were caused by other well-known and commonly detected pathogens. We have effective medicines for treating M. pneumoniae, and its transmission can be easily prevented,” stated the DOH.

According to the DOH, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common and known pathogen that can cause various infections, including colds and pneumonia.

It is classified as one of the influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), presenting symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough.

“Younger children may exhibit cold-like symptoms. Although all age groups can be affected, individuals with weakened immune systems and those living in closed settings are at a higher risk of developing more severe diseases. Filipino doctors and medical personnel in our hospitals are equipped to treat M. pneumoniae and have the necessary medicines,” the agency assured.

“Here in the Philippines, the DOH has previously identified M. pneumoniae using various methods. The DOH surveillance systems can detect ILIs and confirm their causes through laboratory testing,” it added.

Earlier, the DOH reported four confirmed cases of “walking pneumonia” as of November 25.

(ai/mnm)