This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Showing posts with label MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPO. Show all posts
A low pressure area (LPA) near Mindanao and three other weather systems are expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains to many parts of the country on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
(MB Visual Content Group)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the four weather systems may bring cloudy and rainy weather to parts of the country within the next 24 hours.
In its latest weather forecast, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated to be 155 kilometers east-southeast of Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The LPA, it added, is “embedded” along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the Visayas and Mindanao.
Due to the LPA, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected in Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and the Davao Region.
The shear line, on the other hand, will affect the Bicol Region and Quezon, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.
The rest of the Visayas and Mindanao may also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the ITCZ.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or “amihan” may bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains to the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, Metro Manila, and the rest of Luzon.
PAGASA warned that flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains remain possible.
Amid rising dengue cases nationwide, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday, Aug. 21, announced that it has activated a comprehensive dengue outbreak response plan.
(Philippine Red Cross / Manila Bulletin)
As the major blood supplier in the country, the PRC said that the implementation of the response plan aims to address the increasing demand for blood supplies and other critical needs of dengue-affected patients.
“As many areas in the country are declared under a state of calamity due to the alarming rise in dengue cases, we are implementing a response plan to assist government agencies during this crisis,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dick Gordon said.
Gordon also reiterated the PRC’s proactive approach. “I always tell my team the importance of the 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice,” Gordon said. “Just like in recent health challenges, this is not just PRC’s fight; it’s all of ours,” he added.
Steady blood supply
Based on the dengue response plan of the PRC Blood Services, the PRC will ensure a steady blood supply.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 21 this year, the PRC has dispensed 3,180 blood units to 1,020 dengue patients, including those residing in areas under a state of calamity.
The PRC noted that in Iloilo province, which was placed under a state of calamity on Aug. 20, a total of 826 blood bags were supplied to infected patients.
In Maasin, Southern Leyte, a total of 15 units of blood platelets were delivered from its Cebu Chapter.
Maasin was also placed under a state of calamity along with other places in Eastern Visayas.
Gordon explained that the 102 PRC chapters report the inventory of their blood supply daily. “Kaya very confident ako na kahit nasaan ka man sa bansa, kaya kang bigyan ng Red Cross ng dugo (So I'm very confident that no matter where you are in the country, the Red Cross can provide you with blood),” he added.
In addition to providing blood for transfusions, the response plan includes various programs and activities, such as online and on-ground dengue awareness campaigns, health caravans, blood donation drives, and cleanup initiatives to curb the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang explained that the response plan also serves as a “compass” for the PRC national headquarters and its 102 chapters nationwide in conducting activities related to dengue mitigation.
“With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the Philippines, we are confident that no patient will be denied access to blood,” Pang said.
For blood needs and assistance, the public can reach out to the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines at 1158 and 143.
Mpox, formerly called "monkeypox," is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus that has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported that no new mpox cases have been detected since December 2023.
While there are currently no available treatments or vaccines for mpox, the DOH said infected patients may recover without medical intervention.
The DOH has assured the public that its surveillance systems remain on alert following the recent declaration of mpox as a global health emergency.
Monkeypox, now known as mpox, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time.
Image from Unsplash
The viral disease, which has been spreading in African countries, was first declared a PHEIC in 2022.
Two years later, on Aug. 15, the WHO reissued its highest alert level due to a new mpox variant, which has increased the risk of the virus spreading to other continents.
The WHO’s declaration came a day after the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced mpox as a public health emergency.
Even before the WHO’s declaration, the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines said it was on “alert” as it continued to monitor global developments related to mpox.
On Aug. 14, DOH Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo told reporters that the agency’s “surveillance systems remain on alert” following the recent declaration. “We will provide updates as they come,” he added.
What is mpox?
Mpox, originally named “monkeypox,” is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
Similar to smallpox but generally less severe, mpox was first identified in monkeys in 1958. The first reported human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.
In 2022, to minimize stigma and association with monkeys, as the disease can also infect rodents and humans, the WHO has changed the name from "monkeypox" to "mpox."
The viral disease spreads through direct contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
Mpox can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Those infected develop a characteristic rash that often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. This rash typically appears 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever and progresses through different stages before forming a scab, which eventually falls off.
Mpox in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the DOH reported that while there have been detected cases in the past, there have been no recorded deaths due to mpox.
“The mpox case count in the Philippines remains at nine,” Domingo said.
Four mpox cases were detected in 2022. Last year, five cases were detected: one in May, one in July, and three in December.
“No new mpox cases have been detected in the Philippines since December 2023,” Domingo said.
In 2022, the DOH issued interim technical guidelines for mpox surveillance, screening, management, and infection control.
A public health advisory issued by the DOH in 2022 explains how mpox differs from other viral diseases.
It also issued a public health advisory containing important information about the viral disease.
Should we be worried?
In a televised interview on Aug. 15, Domingo acknowledged the urgency of the WHO’s declaration of mpox as a health emergency but also emphasized the importance of remaining alert.
“Palagi namin sinasabi sa public health, maging alerto (We always say in public health, be alert),” Domingo said. “Tamang praning lang, wag masyado kasi para alam din natin kung ano ang gagawin natin para di tayo mahawaan o tayo ay makapag-ingat (It's okay to be cautious, but not overly so because this helps us know what actions to take to avoid infection or to be cautious),” Domingo said.
While mpox can be serious, especially for certain vulnerable groups, Domingo noted that there is no need to panic.
Mpox transmission
Domingo explained mpox spreads through close physical contact—especially skin-to-skin contact.
The virus spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, including direct contact with their rash, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets.
Mpox can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects like bedding. The incubation period, Domingo explained, varies from one to 21 days, with symptoms typically beginning as fever and rashes that may persist for up to four weeks.
The virus becomes contagious two days before the onset of symptoms, specifically rashes.
This 2022 public health advisory issued by the DOH explains how mpox is transmitted.
Unless individuals have direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals or humans, have prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person, or have touched contaminated objects, such as bedding, clothing, or towels used by an infected person, the chances of transmission remain low.
Is there a treatment for mpox?
There is no specific treatment for mpox, Domingo said. However, the viral disease is generally self-limiting and can resolve without treatment.
“Walang gamot mismo sa monkeypox pero ang magandang balita, kusa itong gumagaling (There is no specific medication for monkeypox, but the good news is that it tends to resolve on its own),” he explained.
While the lack of available treatment for mpox causes concern for many, Domingo noted that infected patients may recover without medical treatment.
For infected individuals, supportive care --- such as managing symptoms and complications --- is crucial for recovery.
Similarly, Domingo said there is no vaccine available for mpox.
However, in some cases, antiviral drugs and vaccines used for smallpox may be effective against mpox.
In some countries like the United States, Domingo said the smallpox vaccine has been administered to high-risk populations.
“Dito sa Pilipinas, hindi natin siya ibinibigay kasi mababa o wala nga tayong nakikitang load lately at kaya naman ng ating surveillance systems (Here in the Philippines, we do not administer it because the risk is currently low or nonexistent, and our surveillance systems are adequate to manage it),” he said.
Be alert
While mpox is a disease that warrants attention and appropriate preventive measures, the DOH noted that there is no need for undue fear.
“Nakabantay ang DOH at ang buong gobyerno natin sa nangyayari ngayon sa international arena, wag po tayong mag-alala (The DOH and our entire government are monitoring the situation internationally, so please don’t worry),” Domingo said.
Recognizing that public health measures and education are key to controlling the spread of mpox, Domingo said that the DOH would continue to provide accurate information related to the disease.
“Tamang impormasyon ang kailangan para alam ng ating populasyon kung ano ang gagawin (Accurate information is needed so our population knows what actions to take),” he added.
Preventive measures
Since mpox is a viral disease, the DOH emphasized that it is prevented mainly through hygiene.
Avoiding contact or refraining from close physical contact with individuals who show symptoms of mpox, and practicing hand hygiene through regular washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, are among the recommended preventive measures.
While masking remains voluntary, Domingo said wearing masks, especially while traveling, would reduce the possible transmission through respiratory droplets.
Domingo also mentioned that the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is alert regarding the mpox situation.
“Ang ating BOQ, walang dagdag na proseso pero ang sinasabi naming alert sila (The BOQ has not added new processes, but they are on alert),” Domingo said.
Domingo mentioned that, as part of its measures against mpox, the BOQ might start asking additional questions or conducting interviews with travelers arriving from or heading to Africa.
Amid widespread flooding caused by “Carina” and the southwest monsoon, the Department of Health (DOH) emphasized on Wednesday, July 24, the importance of seeking medical attention promptly for people exposed to floodwaters.
(ARNOLD QUIZOL / MANILA BULLETIN)
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, in a statement, said it is better to avoid floods and mud to prevent leptospirosis.
“Sa mga kailangang lumusong, gumamit ng bota hanggang tuhod. Hugasan agad ang katawan ng malinis na tubig at sabon pagkatapos” (For those who need to wade through, use knee-high boots. Immediately wash your body with clean water and soap afterward),” Herbosa said. "Kumonsulta agad sa doktor, wag maging kampante kasi matagal lumabas ang sintomas” (Consult a doctor immediately; do not be complacent as symptoms can take time to appear),” he added.
Understanding leptospirosis
DOH explained that leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by many animals, such as rodents and other vermin.
Waste products, such as urine and feces of an infected animal, especially rats, contaminate the soil, water, and vegetation. is a zoonotic disease, affecting both animals and humans, caused by the Leptospira bacterium found in contaminated water or soil.
“Leptospira bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, or the eyes, nose, and mouth. Infected animal urine, like that from infected rats, can mix with floodwater and come into contact with people wading through or playing in it,” DOH said.
Seeking early treatment
DOH warned that without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.
“People must consult doctors immediately after being exposed to (wading or playing in) floodwaters as there is a preventive antibiotic prescription,” DOH said.
Symptoms of leptospirosis may include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache. “Some cases have distinct pain in the calf muscles and reddish eyes,” DOH said. Severe cases may also present with jaundice (yellowish body discoloration), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache.
“Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases; some people have no symptoms,” DOH warned.
DOH noted that it generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis.
Meanwhile, DOH announced that teleconsultation is free through Hotline Number 1552 of the National Patient Navigation & Referral Center.
Aside from those who waded through potentially contaminated water, mud, or soil (such as floods, fields, plantations, nests, canals, streams, lakes, rivers), individuals who consumed food or drink that may have been contaminated by sick animals or who have any symptoms after exposure to rain or contaminated water should seek early consultation and treatment at the nearest health facility.
![[Monkeypox Advisory] Symptom Comparison.png](https://images.mb.com.ph/production/Monkeypox_Advisory_Symptom_Comparison_994e4c7a5d.png)
![[Monkeypox Advisory] Transmission.png](https://images.mb.com.ph/production/Monkeypox_Advisory_Transmission_b47168fd44.png)
