Philippines keeps watch after death at Russia plague institute

National

A DEATH inside Russia’s plague research system has drawn the attention of Philippine health authorities, who are monitoring developments while taking guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Department of Health (DOH) said it is prepared to impose additional measures if the situation warrants, citing a recent assessment that affirmed the country’s capacity to meet the requirements of the International Health Regulations.

As part of its ongoing monitoring, the DOH said the Bureau of Quarantine is maintaining screening procedures for travelers and strengthening surveillance for rodents and rodent fleas that could enter the country through incoming cargo and vessels.

“The Bureau of Quarantine is ensuring that travelers are appropriately screened and that vector surveillance for rodents and rodent fleas on incoming cargo and vessels is strictly implemented. We will keep everyone apprised should additional measures become warranted,” DOH said on Tuesday, as quoted by Philstar.

Malacañang also assured the public yesterday that health authorities were monitoring the developments.

The DOH’s monitoring follows the death of 28-year-old Darya Shipilova, a laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia. The WHO said the risk of an epidemic in Russia remained low following her death.(MyTVCebu)