Travelers urged to wear face masks amid new virus threat

MANILA, Philippines— The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), advised travelers on Friday to wear face masks while inside the airport as protection fromStreptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), avirus that was first reported in Japan.

MIAA spokesman Chris Bendijo said aside from face masks, passengers were also advised to sanitize their hands, and urged to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

He said that MIAA was in constant communication with the Department of Health (DoH) through the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) regarding the monitoring of passengers arriving from other countries.

The MIAA also requested the BoQ to provide updates on its monitoring of virus cases to prevent the spread of the infection.

Bendijo said, however, that wearing a face mask at the airport was a recommendation and not mandatory.

Japan is facing an STSS outbreak, with reports indicating that it was rapidly spreading throughout the country.

As of June 2, 2024, Japan has experienced a rise in STSS cases, with 977 reported, marking a notable increase from previous years.

Early symptoms include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.

Reports also indicated that 24 to 48 hours after the onset of initial symptoms, more may emerge, including low blood pressure, organ failure, an elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and tissue necrosis.