Malacañang: No sign of E.coli threat in PHL so far

While there is no sign at this time of a threat from a rare E. coli strain reaching the Philippines, Malacañang asked the public Saturday to be “on guard." Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said health authorities will remain vigilant, although there are no indications of such threats at this time. “As of the moment we see no indicators, but we should be on guard... Lagi tayong naka-alerto sa bagay na ito," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. Citing media reports, Valte said there is a possibility the latest E. coli strain may come from Brussels sprouts from Germany. Earlier, Hong Kong’s the Standard news site said authorities of China’s administrative region are taking precautions if the German mystery killer bug is likely on its way to Hong Kong. The Standard report said the government will likely make the deadly bacteria strain, called Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, a “notifiable" disease. Hong Kong had taken a similar move for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), bird flu (H5N1), and swine flu (H1N1), the report added. Reminder vs dengue Meanwhile, the Palace reminded the public to continue taking precautions against dengue. Valte said the public should continue ensuring their surroundings are clean and dry to keep dengue-carrying mosquitoes from breeding. “Ang appeal natin should be ituloy ang paglilinis. Ang precautions natin hindi lang pag tag-ulan but also gawin natin habit para di tayo nabibigla pag nagkaroon ng ganoong cases," she said. — JE, GMA News