The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that there is no diphtheria outbreak in the country. DOH Asst. Sec. Maria Rosario Vergerie said that the public should not worry about the disease as it can be cured easily. 40 individuals have died due to diphtheria from January to September this year since people have been wary of government vaccinations. The DOH called for parents to have their children vaccinated and make sure that their surroundings are clean to avoid getting ill.