Philippines Confirms First Corona Virus Case

Took them long enough. I wonder how many infected are really out there?

 “Head clear. Mouth shut. See much. Say little.”

- Roland Deschain

Stay vigilant!

New Coronavirus Spotted in Cebu City

Image from SCIENCEPHOTOLIBRARY

MERS-CoV Spotted In Cebu City

Ah nuts.

Full article from Inquirer.Net here. Its pretty fresh. 

Some choice snippets from the Statement from the Department of Health. Straight outta Plague Inc.  :

The Department of Health (DOH) today disclosed that it is currently investigating the case of a five-year-old who traveled from Wuhan, China and was admitted in Cebu City for manifesting fever, throat irritation, and cough prior to entering the Philippines. 

The patient as of today is still experiencing cough but is currently stable and afebrile. 

... also monitoring three individuals with flu-like symptoms upon entering the country via the Kalibo International Airport from China, but without any history of travel to Wuhan and without any known contact with a confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) case, Severe Acute Respiratory Illness case, or sick animals. 

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more serious infections such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. 

Common signs infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. 

In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. 

On December 31, 2019, a clustering of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology was reported in Wuhan, China. 

To date, two hundred twenty-two (222) 2019-nCoV cases were reported in China, majority coming from Wuhan, with cases also coming from cities such as Beijing and Shenzhen. Thailand, Japan, and South Korea also reported confirmed cases. 

Personal Protective Equipment are available at the Bureau of Quarantine, Centers for Health Development, and DOH Hospitals. 

DOH advises the public to practice frequent handwashing, avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals, practice proper cough etiquette – maintain distance and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your elbow, avoid close contact with people showing cold or flu-like symptoms, and ensure that food is well-cooked. 

... travelers with symptoms of respiratory illness, either during or after travel, to seek medical attention immediately.  

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The bug has arrived. Cebu is a major city in the Philippines. The oldest one in the country, in fact. 

I never doubted the ability of the virus to spread to our country based purely on the close proximity and the close relationship we have with china. Any outbreak from china would most likely land on our shores ahead of others. 

Our healthcare professionals are well trained and are working to contain the spread. Its up to us grownups to take the necessary precautions.  

Fearmongering wont help and ignorance is the greatest danger. I'd be on the lookout against profiteers and fake newsies who hope to make a buck out of this mess. And people who fall for it are the real zombies.  

Stay vigilant!

Alert: Taal Eruption Imminent

For the full article, click here. 

As I'm typing this we have completed hunkering down at home.  Taal Volcano has become active again and fine gray ashfall of about 1cm thick has accumulated on top of our car since it began at around 2pm today.

I had set aside respirators and filter masks in our emergency kit as early as 7 years ago in my earlier blog post. My wife was amused that we are actually using some of these emergency supplies. She did however feel the heightened urgency while at the grocery today. Our neighbors havent devolved into panic buying just yet but I heard that other areas with denser populations have indeed began hoarding. 

Our family is squared away. Food, water, cleaning, medical and breathing supplies good for more than a month. For our pets too. I really hope you guys have done the same. 

A major eruption is expected to take place soon. 

From Facebook. Click to enlarge

We experienced the eruption of Mount Pinatubo more than 2 decades ago and that experience helped us prepare for this calamity. Government services have become vastly more capable to respond to this crisis. That's small consolation for the countless families affected in South Luzon. That's where the heavier ash and actual volcanic debris is falling. I have reports of 3 inch sized rocks falling down in the immediate area of the Volcano.  

To everyone in Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna I wish you guys safety. Stand strong. People are coming together to help.

Hang on: To those who cannot evacuate, gather some good neighbors because looters and other predators can come out as early as tonight.

Is your boog kit ready? 

Stay vigilant!

Mysterious Outbreak in China

Full article is found here.

This has been going on for a few days now. Who knows how long its been under wraps in china?

The game hasn't changed.  Be skeptical but keep tabs on things.  Have a lot of sources and always dig deeper.


How's that for my first post of the year?

Stay vigilant!