- Title: PHILIPPINES: Philippines records first case of new H1N1 flu virus
- Date: 22nd May 2009
- Summary: MANILA, PHILIPPINES (RECENT) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR TROPICAL MEDICINE WHERE H1N1 TESTS ARE DONE LABORATORY TECHNICIANS WEARING PROTECTIVE GOWNS TECHNICIAN PLACING SPECIMEN IN VIRAL TECHNICIANS SEATED INSIDE LABORATORY THERMAL SCANNER IN MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ARRIVING PASSENGERS WALKING AIRPORT PERSONNEL CHECKING SCANNER AS PASSENGERS WALK BY PASSENGER WEARING MASK PASSENGER IN MASK PUSHING STROLLER PASSENGERS WALKING SIGN IN AIRPORT THAT READS "FEVER WATCH"
- Embargoed: 6th June 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Philippines
- City:
- Country: Philippines
- Topics: Health
- Reuters ID: LVAAEWT4U9UPML6SMWUJWC5RJ3ED
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: The Philippines says first case of the new H1N1 flu virus is a 10-year-old girl who had returned from a trip to the U.S. and Canada.
The Philippines has recorded its first case of the new H1N1 flu virus, a 10-year-old girl who had returned from a trip to the United States and Canada, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said on Thursday (May 21).
"The Department of Health is officially announcing the first confirmed case of influenza A H1N1 in the Philippines. The female traveller arrived in the Philippines on May 18, Monday, from the United States and Canada," Duque said over a video conference from the World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva.
The Filipina returned on Monday (May 18) and was brought to hospital after complaining of a fever, sore throat and a cough the next day. The girl was given doses of oseltamivir and her flu symptoms have subsided, Duque said.
She is recovering in an undisclosed hospital, while her family is under quarantine.
"The DOH would like to emphasise 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 of the situation," Duque said.
The girl did not have fever when she arrived in the airport and went past thermal scanners. Neither of her parents, who were with her, showed any signs of illness.
"As soon as she arrived and a day after she developed symptoms, we got a call immediately. Specimens were taken. The results were out today, and she's now improving. She now only has sore throat," chief epidemiologist Eric Tayag said.
The government was contacting people who were on the same flight as the 10-year-old.
Health officials advised the populace to watch their health and postpone unnecessary travel.
"We will continue to be vigilant when it comes to our international ports and airports of entry. We will continue our entry screening with the thermal scanner. This, we believe, will be very helpful to contain further any further spread of this particular illness in the Philippines."
The Philippines has said it has so far tested 77 people who showed flu-like symptoms when returning from overseas. Seven are still under observation, health officials said. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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