NAIA travelers urged to wear facemasks

(UPDATES) TRAVELERS at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were advised to wear facemasks as a precaution against a new virus spreading from Japan.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) spokesman Chris Bendijo said on Friday reminders have been posted at the airport advising individuals to wear masks, sanitize their hands, and cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.

Japan is facing a serious outbreak of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an uncommon yet severe bacterial infection that progresses rapidly and can become life-threatening.

As of June 2, about 977 cases of STSS were recorded in Japan, a notable increase compared to previous years.

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

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

Bendijo emphasized that wearing a facemask at the airport is just a recommendation and has not been declared mandatory.

At the moment, the DoH does not view STSS as a public health concern.

The department, however, emphasized the need for heightened public awareness and preventive measures on water-borne and influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue.

Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease specialist, reported that the country already has cases of STSS.

It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes and is commonly referred to as Group A Strep or GAS, said Solante.