Flesh-Eating Disease In Pangasinan Explained By DOH

Is a flesh-eating disease spreading in Pangasinan?

Screen grab of the Bandila report about the "flesh-eating disease"

According to a report on the late-night newscast Bandila on Monday night, at least two people in the province have acquired a "mysterious disease" that causes lesions and flaking of the skin. The report said doctors are having a difficult time coming up with a strong diagnosis.

Bombarded by queries regarding the so-called flesh-eating disease in Pangasinan, the Department of Health (DOH) released a statement on Tuesday afternoon to shed light on the illness being suffered by the two individuals featured in the news.

DOH said the 21-year-old female is suffering from leprosy and is on multi-drug therapy at a regional health unit. The said patient, who was initially-treated in another private health facility, has now completed the treatment but may still need debridement for her skin lesions. She is now being assessed on current drug reaction and for work-up for tuberculosis.

On the other hand, clinical examination confirmed that the male from Villasis has a case of severe psoriasis, a chronic skin disease characterized by red patches covered with white scales.

"There are a lot of diseases that may manifest through changes in the skin. It is good to consult our doctors or go to the nearest barangay health unit when we need medical advice and treatment. Let us avail of the free healthcare service in our health facilities,"  Health Secretary Enrique Ona reminded said.

The Bandila report immediately created buzz online after it was aired. Many linked the so-called flesh-eating disease to a prophecy by a Christian missionary from India, Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj, who said that a "grievous disease" will originate in Pangasinan, Philippines and will spread across the globe. Prophet Sadhu also predicted last year's Super Typhoon Yolanda and the Visayas earthquake a few months before they happened.

Read more about it here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2014/02/prophet-sadhu-sundar-selvarajs-prophecy.html