Ilonggo seaman, 2 boys positive of A(H1N1) virus in W.Visayas
Health and city officials here have now confirmed the first case of Influenza A(H1N1) in Iloilo City and two confirmed cases in Bacolod City.
Such, as nine others – 5 from Iloilo and 4 from Bacolod – were placed under “close monitoring” pending laboratory results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Manila.
The confirmation was made by the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development (CHD) in Western Visayas in a press statement released to local media yesterday.
“The two cases from Bacolod City are both males, ages 7 and 8 years old. Both came from the United States. The close contacts were placed under close observation. They are currently being treated in a private hospital. The case from Iloilo City is a 38 year-old male seafarer who has history of travel from Germany with stopover in Hongkong. He is now admitted at Western Visayas Medical Center and is under medication. Close family contacts were advised admission or home quarantine,” the DOH CHD press statement obtained by The News Today (TNT) went.
Information gathered by TNT disclosed a total of 27 cases monitored between May 18 to June 16th alone. Fortunately, 15 cases proved to be negative.
“The Local Chief Executives of Bacolod City and Iloilo City as well as their respective City Health Officers have been informed and were provided technical and logistical assistance in institution of appropriate measures to prevent community level spread infection,” the press statement continued.
A public assurance was further made by the DOH-CHD here that “all appropriate measures have been undertaken to ensure that the infection will not spread in the region.”
“The public is advised to continuously observe hygienic practices such as proper hand washing and cough and sneezing etiquette. It is also advised that persons who have flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled from affected countries should seek consultation at the nearest health facility for appropriate management,” the DOH-CHD Regional Office 6 appealed.
The press statement was made by Dr. Ariel Valencia, DOH-CHD 6 Director.