confirmed case of A(H1N1) in the Philippines update

The DOH is also not disclosing the airport where the patient arrived, and from what province, city or region the patient came from.

DOH officials have also said that President Arroyo is "very concerned" by this development.
Duque also said that contact tracing is already ongoing. The patient's family has been informed and has been asked to perform self-monitoring and quarantine.

"The woman returned with her family who are also being monitored by health authorities," he added.

Duque however clarified that there is no A (H1N1) outbreak in the country and that the government is doing everything to prevent it.

Seven other people are under observation at different Philippine hospitals but laboratory tests have not been completed, the official said.

"We reiterate to the public that the government is on top of the situation and everyone is advised to be vigilant," Duque said.

Some 49 people who had been put under observation in government and private hospitals since May 1 after showing symptoms of the virus have since been discharged, health officials said



Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/21/09/duque-confirms-first-case-h1n1-rp

First case of H1N1 in the Philippines

Health Secretary Francisco Duque on Thursday evening announced the first case of influenza A (H1N1) in the Philippines.

Duque, who is currently at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, said in a teleconference that a Filipina patient who came from a trip last May 18 tested positive for the A (H1N1) virus.

The ten-year-old girl, who is not yet identified, already showed symptoms - fever, cough, and sore throat - upon arrival in the country. She came from a trip to the United States and Canada.

He said that the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) got hold of tissue samples from the patient last May 20, and confirmed Thursday that she tested positive for the virus.
The patient is currently being treated at an undisclosed medical facility, Duque said.

He also said that contact tracing is already ongoing. The patient's family has been informed and has been asked to perform self-monitoring and quarantine.

Source : http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/21/09/duque-confirms-first-case-h1n1-rp