The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), advised travelers on Friday, June 28, to wear facemasks while inside the airport.
The announcement was made in response to recent reports about a new bacteria spreading from Japan.
MIAA spokesman Chris Bendijo said that they are putting reminders at the airport advising individuals to wear facemasks, sanitize their hands, and urge people to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.
The MIAA said it is in constant communication with the Department of Health through the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) regarding the monitoring of passengers arriving from other countries.
The authority requested the BoQ to provide a status update on their monitoring of current bacteria cases in order to develop and apply necessary policies to prevent further spread of the infection.
Bendijo emphasized that wearing a facemask at the airport is currently just a recommendation and has not been declared mandatory.
Japan is currently facing a serious outbreak of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), with reports indicating that it is rapidly spreading throughout the country.
As of June 2, Japan has experienced a significant rise in cases of STSS, with a total of approximately 977 reported cases, marking a notable increase compared to previous years.
Early symptoms include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.
Reports have indicated that about 24 to 48 hours after the onset of initial symptoms, additional symptoms may emerge, including low blood pressure, organ failure, an elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and tissue necrosis.
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