The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, Nov. 29, issued an advisory following the surge of respiratory illness among children in Northern China.

“The DOH, through its Epidemiology Bureau (EB), has reached out to the International Health Regulations National Focal Point of China to request for additional information,” DOH’s statement read.

The health agency added that its surveillance of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the country showed that the cases “started to plateau”, but noted that its response measures were ready against the possibility of cases increasing.

“[T]he EB shall continue to strengthen ILI surveillance in coordination with the WHO and China,” it further said.

The DOH urged Filipinos, particularly children and elderly who are susceptible to illnesses, to stay vigilant and participate in wearing masks, washing hands, isolating when ill, and getting vaccinated.

The health department earlier assured the public that there is “nothing to worry” regarding the outbreak of respiratory illness in China.