Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) — There is no need for border controls and mandatory face mask regulations following confirmation of four walking pneumonia cases in the country, an infectious disease expert said Friday
Philippine College of Physicians President Rontgene Solante said the public should not be alarmed by the detected cases of M. Pneumoniae as the infection is \”self-limiting\” unlike COVID-19 and other influenza-like illnesses (ILI) which are more transmissible.
“I don’t think a travel advisory is needed at this point in time,” Solante told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
\”But, if airlines can give additional, not warnings, but advice to passengers to also wear the face mask when they are in the airport and crowded areas then that would really help…to lessen the impact of transmission when they will be visiting countries also with ILIs,\” he added.
The expert also said there is no need for mandatory public testing for walking pneumonia as most cases could recover with cough and fever treatment and ample rest.
Solante said it is likely that the rising trend in these influenza-like illnesses will settle by end-January or February and could rise again as holiday season returns next year.
\”Those are what we call the seasonal peaks of the ILI,\” the expert noted.
The doctor also emphasized the importance of the public learning how to protect themselves from ILIs during the pandemic, reminding everyone to avoid attending parties and gathering if they have symptoms of the monitored ILIs.
