Strict checking of incoming travelers ordered amid reports of China mysterious disease

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ordered the strict checking of all incoming travelers amid reports of a mysterious disease from China.

The order was given to the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) which was placed on the alert and is closely monitoring seaports and airports, according to a press release from the Department of Health issued on Sunday.

The BOQ will closely examine travelers with fever or have signs of respiratory infection, the DOH said.

According to reports, an outbreak of a mysterious illness—similar to a "viral pneumonia of unkown origin"—in China has affected 44 individuals so far, the DOH said.

"I urge the public, especially those with history of travel from China, to seek immediate medical consult if experiencing any flu-like symptoms," the Health secretary said.

Duque also advised the public to "embrace healthy lifestyles, practice proper hand hygiene, and observe cough etiquette to prevent transmission of respiratory infections." —KG, GMA News