The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has advised travelers to wear face masks while inside the airport following recent reports of a new bacterial infection spreading from Japan.
MIAA spokesman Chris Bendijo said that they are placing signages at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reminding individuals to wear face masks, sanitize their hands, and to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.
But Bendijo clarified that wearing a face mask at the airport is currently just a recommendation and has not been declared mandatory.
Japan is currently dealing with a serious outbreak of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS).
It has recorded 1,019 cases of STSS in the first six months of 2024, surpassing the total recorded last year and raising concerns about this potentially deadly bacterial infection.
Early symptoms include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.
Reports have indicated that 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.
MIAA stated 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 airport management requested the BoQ to provide a status update on their monitoring of current bacterial infection cases in order to develop and apply necessary policies to prevent further spread of the infection.