De La Salle University foreign exchange student turns positive for A(H1N1)

DOH Secretary Duque today lauded school authorities of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila at Taft Avenue for implementing a self-imposed temporary suspension of classes for 10 days beginning today after an international exchange student tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1).

This is in consonance with Response Level 3 of the Guidelines on A (H1N1) for schools which state that school authorities should suspend classes after detection of at least one confirmed case and there is no sustained community transmission.

The new confirmed case is a 21 year-old female foreign student who arrived in the country last May 12. According to DLSU officials, classes officially started on May 25 for the first trimester of this school year. The foreign student only reported very mild symptoms on May 29 which came to the attention of school authorities.

The student consulted a health facility on May 31where she was examined and tested for the presence of the virus through a throat swab. The specimen turned positive for A (H1N1) as confirmed today by RITM.

Duque said that the DOH is currently investigating and doing contact tracing to see if there were other exposed individuals related to this new case. Initial findings reveal that there is very limited exposure of other students to the confirmed case and that both DOH and school authorities can trace them.

Meanwhile, Duque already met the officials of DLSU to discuss the situation and come up with the next steps to prevent the spread of the virus to other students, faculty and other school staff.

Brother Armin Luistro FSC, President and Chancellor of the De La Salle University, expressed his full cooperation with the DOH on the ongoing containment measures and said that DLSU will immediately invoke the recommended measures contained in the Response Level System in Schools initially released by the DOH last May 31.

Starting tomorrow, June 4, classes will be suspended at the University and will last until June 14 in accordance with the guidelines set by the DOH.

The De La Salle University has already informed the students and faculty who were in the same class as the confirmed case to do self-monitoring of symptoms at home and to report immediately at designated hotlines if they become ill.

Meanwhile, Secretary Duque appealed to these students and school staff to temporarily avoid going to malls and other crowded areas during the period of class suspension.

As a precautionary measure, although they do not belong to the affected classes, all other students, faculty and personnel of DLSU should consider self-monitoring and avoiding crowded gatherings as well.

Secretary Duque thanked the officials of DLSU for keeping their school clinic open for any consultation during the period of class suspension. Students and faculty are therefore advised to report any symptom at this clinic which will in turn refer the cases to designated DOH referral facilities when necessary.

To date, the total number of confirmed cases of a (H1N1) in the country is now at 22.

Duque said that the three previously reported confirmed cases will be discharged today. To date, 14 of the 22 confirmed cases have already been sent home.

Since May 1, 2009, the DOH has monitored a total of 401 CUOs. Of these, 22 are positive A(H1N1) cases, 78 have pending laboratory results, and 301 are negative for A(H1N1) and have been discarded. There are 56 new Cases Under Observation (CUOs) today.

In their latest report, the World Health Organization reported 1,900 new cases and 16 deaths. There are now a total of 17,410 cases and 115 deaths from 62 reporting countries.

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY A (H1N1) Hotline: 526-5913DOH Hotline : 711-1001 / 711-1002

http://www.doh.gov.ph/

RP first Influenza A (H1N1) Case

No Country is safe against N1H1 Too bad our country is now on the list of N1H1 case because the Department of Health is officially announcing this evening the first confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) in the Philippines.

A The 10-year-old arrived in the Philippines with her parents on May 18, Monday, from the United States and Canada. A throat specimen was collected, and was tested at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) on May 20, Wednesday, after she developed fever, sore throat and cough.

Today, RITM confirmed that the specimen tested positive for the novel Influenza A (H1N1) on PCR using the primers sent by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

She was immediately started on an antiviral, Oseltamivir, and given supportive care. At this time, the patient is continuously being monitored. She no longer has fever or cough, but still has sore throat.

The DOH would like to emphasize that there is no community level outbreak in the country and measures are being done by the government to prevent transmission, starting with the quarantine of household close contacts.

The family of the patient has been informed and advised about the situation. We would like to thank them for their cooperation and willingness to comply with the recommendations of the DOH. They were advised to observe self-monitoring, home quarantine, social distancing, proper hygiene and respiratory etiquette procedures.

DOH appeal to our media partners and the rest of the nation to respect the privacy and anonymity of the patient and her family. Rest assured that any information vital to protect public health and safety will be appropriately shared to those concerned.

The DOH also stresses that the discovery of this first case of Influenza A(H1N1) in the Philippines is something we have been preparing for and is a result of the collective efforts of both public and private sectors as well as the effective surveillance system which we have put in place.

The DOH has already notified the International Health Regulations (IHR) and will submit its official report in 24 hours.

Influenza A (H1N1) is currently affecting 41 other countries with 11,034 cases and 85 deaths. Thus far, the behavior of the virus is to cause generally mild illness and low mortality (<1%)>

This development only shows the vulnerability of all countries to the threat of Influenza A (H1N1) which indicates that no nation and no government should be complacent. Thus, we continue to strengthen our systems for surveillance, early detection and management and effective response. We are also closely coordinating with the WHO, other agencies of government and the private sector to effectively combat the virus.

THe DOH's stockpiles of Oseltamivir is currently sufficient at 1 million capsules and have been distributed in regional hubs all over the country. DOH would like to remind the public that Oseltamivir may only be dispensed and taken upon the advice of your doctor. Irrational use can result in drug resistance that causes the drug to become ineffective in the future.

DOH reiterate to the public that government is on top of the situation and everyone is advised to be vigilant. If you have arrived from an affected country and develop flu-like symptoms (or TRANGKASO) such as fever, sore throat and cough, immediately consult a medical professional or call the DOH Hotline at (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002.

This situation is evolving globally. DOH will give regular updates to the media and the public as information becomes available.

To know more about Influenza A(H1N1), you may go to the DOH Influenza A(H1N1) Website at www.doh.gov.ph/h1n1

Philippines is still Influenza A (H1N1) free, Thank God!!!

As of date, The DOH (Department of Health) have not found any Filipino resident or any visitor to the Philippines to be influenza A (H1N1)-positive. From the among the 49 cases that had been reported by government and private hospitals to have undergone clinical observation in their facilities and whose laboratory results have been processed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, NONE have tested positive for the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Thus, all these 49 cases have been declared definitely "not A (H1N1)" cases and have been discharged.

From May 1, 2009 until today, 49 total cases under observation or CUOs at various government and private hospital facilities had been reported to the RITM for laboratory confirmation. This is an increase of 3 from yesterday’s total of 46 CUOs. All laboratory results are in and, we reiterate that all are negative and all CUOs had been discharged clear of the new influenza virus. This indicates that it is highly probable that the influenza A (H1N1) virus or its carrier has, so far, not been able to penetrate our public health cordon.

However, on the global front, WHO (World Health Organization) reports that every day more countries are finding laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1). It has been found in North and South American, European and Asian countries, and in Australia and New Zealand as well. There are now 5,728 cases and 61 deaths reported and confirmed by the WHO from 33 countries. This is the reason why we continue to be vigilant and to institute measures to tighten our defenses at the various ports of entry at Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Systematically and without causing undue alarm and panic, The National Quarantine Officers, in coordination with airline and shipping authorities, have patiently required travelers coming from influenza-affected countries to be screened for signs and symptoms of the virus. However, because of the variable onset of signs and symptoms of the new influenza, DOH cannot presume to have a completely foolproof screening system.

Thus today, DOH are issuing an "Interim Guideline for Public Gatherings in Response to the Influenza A (H1N1) Threat." This Guideline will apply to all persons who have commitments or have choices to make with regards attending, gracing or hosting public gatherings. The Guideline is patterned after the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, though, it is tailor-fit to the risks we have locally at present. This means that as the disease pattern and risks change and as information is updated, the DOH may have to issue newer guides to the public for the prevention and containment of influenza A (H1N1).

This Guideline is focused on precautionary measures all of us should employ when organizing or when attending public gatherings where we are likely to be exposed to probable positive cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus—we would like to emphasize here that these precautionary measures are applicable now while we have yet no evidence of any positive case of influenza A (H1N1) infection among our incoming travelers nor of community transmission.

The guideline refers to public gathering as defined by CDC:

"an assembly or grouping of many people in one place…and can include commencement exercises, church services, sporting events, concerts, social and cultural celebrations, weddings, conferences and other similar activities attended by relatively large groups of people." The common denominator of all these is any situation in which crowding is likely to occur. While we advocate for social distancing as the principal measure to protect one’s self while among or when coming from a community with known positive cases, we are recommending this set of precautionary measures for public gatherings in general, while we have YET no public health indication to ban public gatherings as in some parts of Mexico.

The principles used for this Guideline has been applied to our People’s Hero, Manny Pacquiao … is now being applied to American Idol, David Cook and American Idol runner-up, David Archuleta, and will be therefore be applied to other public gatherings of such nature.

In brief, DOH are recommending that event organizers and event hosts to: (1) provide information to guests, participants or audience about what to do in case they have flu-like illness, (2) make available adequate hand washing facilities with disinfectant soap or sanitizers and (3) suggest other options for participation such as video-conferencing, wider open spaces, etc.

All persons, especially those in public places, are recommended to practice healthful respiratory- or lung-clearing practices and regular hand washing. Those who have known health problems that make them susceptible to infections are advised to keep away from crowds. Health care workers who are tasked to handle emergencies in public gatherings are advised to have personal protective N95 masks ready for persons who may develop the signs and symptoms of influenza A (H1N1).

The DOH would like to thank the press and media practitioners and the general public for their interest and understanding of the public health situation. I also thank especially those who have cooperated with us in this daunting and necessary work of preventing the entry of influenza A (H1N1) to the country…those who have been working 24 hours in our ports of entry and referral hospitals and those who have allowed to be subjected to hospital-based or home quarantine.

Today May 15, the Department of Health reported five new cases under observation. Four were negative for influenza A (H1N1), while the laboratory result for one case is still pending. The total number of cases that the DOH monitored since May 1 to May 14 is now 54. Forty-five of these cases were reported from the National Capital Region, six from Region VII, and one case each for Regions IV-A, V and X.

The reported cases had history of travel to the following countries with confirmed influenza A (H1N1) cases: Australia, Canada, China (Mainland), Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

As of May 14, the World Health Organization has reported no new countries with confirmed cases of A (H1N1). The total number of confirmed influenza A (H1N1) cases reported in 33 countries is now 6,497. This is a 13% increase compared to the number reported in the previous day (5,728). The most number of new confirmed cases (387/769) was from Mexico. No new deaths were reported; the total number of deaths is still 61.

While the Philippines is still free from Influenza A (H1N1), the DOH reiterates that they will continue to intensify its surveillance in ports, airports and the community so that cases of influenza A (H1N1) are detected early and appropriate control measures implemented immediately.

Interim Guidelines No. 4

On Public Gatherings in Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Threat

Given the current information on the status of influenza A (H1N1) in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) issues the following interim guidelines on "Public Gatherings in Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Threat" for the guidance of event organizers, local officials, health care providers and the general public.

Definition

Public Gathering refers to a congregation or grouping of several people in an area or activity. Examples of a gathering are social and cultural celebrations like fiestas, conferences, concerts, sports event, and other comparable activities, both indoor and outdoor, where crowding of people may occur.

Public gatherings are usually festive and personal contact like handshaking, hugging and kissing likely occur, thereby increasing the risk for spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

For All Persons Attending a Public Gathering:

Practice proper cough manners and cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash hands after doing so

• Maintain personal hygiene, especially regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitizer

• At the first signs and symptoms of flu-like illness, defer from attending a public gathering and seek medical consultation

• Persons who are at high risk of complications from Influenza A (H1N1) infection should avoid exposure to this virus by reconsidering attendance to public gatherings. Persons at high risk are:

• Persons with certain chronic medical conditions and the immuno-compromised

• Children less than 5 years and persons 60 or older

• Pregnant women

For Event Organizers or Hosts:

• Determine the time required to achieve the purpose of the public gathering and avoid extending the period of time that people are gathered as crowds

• Provide alternative options and venues for participation. In general, open spaces are preferable over indoor venues.

• Make adequately available at the event the following basic facilities and services:

• Hand washing facilities with soap and running water or hand sanitizers

• Garbage bins for proper disposal of tissues, disposable cups and other items

• On-site medical assessment team that is adequately equipped to screen persons developing flu-like illness

• Ensure that frequently touched objects and surfaces had been adequately disinfected, e.g. door knobs, tabletops, chairs, toilets, etc.

• Deliver key educational messages about measures attendees can take to help reduce the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection

For the Local Officials, Health Officers and other officials with jurisdiction over the Public Gathering:

• Reinforce guidelines on public gatherings for event organizers and hosts by issuing corresponding memorandum or ordinances

• Provide key educational messages to event organizers and the public on the prevention and control of influenza A (H1N1) virus, such as: local situation with regards influenza A (H1N1), health alerts and advisories derived from newspapers and official websites, etc.

• Complement the preparations made by event organizers in the provision of adequate facilities and services for the public gathering

• Plan for the provision of on-site medical assistance for possible medical emergencies

• Report any incidence of flu-like illness manifesting or found in community or area where public gatherings are planned

In the event that a suspected case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is reported in the scheduled public gathering, the DOH is authorized to investigate, make recommendations and assist the community to contain the infection, as specified in Republic Act No. 9271, Quarantine Act of 2004, "An Act Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of the Department of Health in Quarantine and International Health Surveillance":

Section 1.4.b provides for the "apprehension, detention or surveillance for the purpose of preventing the introduction, transmission or spread of such public health emergencies of international concern as may be specified in Department Orders by the Secretary of Health upon the recommendation of the international health surveillance."

Implementing Rules and Regulations of "Quarantine Act of 2004", pursuant to RA 9271 further specifies under Section 53.2:

In the event of an outbreak of public health emergency of international concern in a community, the Director of the Bureau shall recommend to the Secretary of Health the following measures:

• "apprehension, detention / isolation or surveillance of suspect / cases;

• place under active or passive surveillance, individuals who have been exposed to the infection considered as dangerous contact; and

• declare an area or community "under quarantine" where the public health emergency occurs."

source: http://www.doh.gov.ph/

I think I have signs of Swine or H1N1 Influenza

If you think you have signs and symptoms of this virus don't think twice to see a specialist because this virus is really spreading around the globe. As of today, The World Health Organization has raised its tally of confirmed human cases of swine flu to 331 from 257.
The global body says 11 countries have now reported confirmed cases. Mexico has reported 156 cases and 9 deaths. The United States has 109 cases and 1 death.Canada has 34 cases, Spain 13 and Britain 8. New Zealand and Germany have 3 confirmed cases each, Israel has two, and Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland have a case each, according to the latest WHO figures Friday.

How can I protect myself and my family from Swine and H1N1 influenza?

Practice general preventive measures for influenza, good hygiene is the key. You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading influenza by:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough.
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
• Using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Disposing of used tissues promptly and carefully.
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face, or to other people.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

Me or member of my family has some similar symptoms what should we do?

• Separate the ill person from others, at least 1 meter in distance from others.
• Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Either commercial or homemade materials are fine, as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly after use.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
• Improve the air flow where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.
• Stay at home and rest.
• Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines). Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing aspirin.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you have recently travelled to Mexico or another affected area or if you develop complications such as shortness of breath.
• Before you call, check your symptoms with this symptom checker.

If you are living in a country where there are infections follow additional advice from your national and local health authorities.

Face mask anyone?

The widespread wearing of masks during a pandemic is unlikely to be effective at preventing people from becoming infected with the virus. However, they may have some limited ability to stop those already infected with the virus from spreading it.

There is no convincing scientific evidence that the widespread issue of face masks to healthy members of the public can stop this disease spreading. Moreover, they give can false reassurance, and can encourage people to ignore basic and straightforward hand hygiene measures that are known to be effective.

However, specialist and other types of face masks are useful for frontline NHS staff who are caring for infected patients. The masks must be of the appropriate type, be worn correctly, changed frequently; removed properly; disposed of safely and used in combination with good hygiene measures.

Although there is a supply of face masks for NHS staff, more are needed. In the past 24 hours, contracts have been completed for more than 60 million masks that will start becoming available from this week. These will be both surgical and respiratory masks, which will give staff a broad range of protection when they come into contact with infected patients.

To track swine flu around the globe here is a useful link: http://www.swine-flu-tracker.com/

sources: http://www.who.int/
http://www.nhs.uk/