DOH logs 4 cases of ‘walking pneumonia’

MANILA, Philippines — Four confirmed cases of “walking pneumonia” or Mycoplasma pneumoniae have been recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) in the country.

The confirmed cases of walking pneumonia were detected among the reported influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, according to the DOH.

The agency, however, stressed that Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not a novel or new pathogen and has been previously detected in local cases.

The rise in cases of ILI nationwide, DOH said, has already slowed down with a total of 9,834 recorded from Oct. 29 to Nov. 11. The figure is 11 percent lower than the ILI cases two weeks prior.

“Based on the five-year data, ILI cases are expected to continue declining in the coming weeks but are expected to rise again by the start of January,” DOH disclosed.

Meanwhile, President Marcos is “doing well” after contracting COVID-19 for the third time, according to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil.

Marcos, 66, tested positive for the disease on Monday night. He was advised by his doctors to undergo a mandatory five-day isolation.

The President is currently staying at Bahay Pangulo within the Palace complex.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PCO said “the President remains fit to carry out his duties and will be continuing his scheduled meetings via teleconference.”

Marcos tested positive for COVID-19 in July 2022 and in March 2020. He received his second COVID-19 booster dose in August 2022.

According to the DOH, the Philippines logged a total of 1,340 new coronavirus cases from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, the highest number of fresh infections in 19 weeks.

Despite the slight increase in national level, the country’s health system remains low risk, DOH said.

It said respiratory diseases such as influenza and COVID-19 are expected to increase during colder months. – Bella Cariaso, Gilbert Bayoran