First Case of A(H1N1) - Swine Flu in the Philippines

Weeks after the A(H1N1) virus broke out and spread in at least 38 countries and 791 current cases worldwide, the Philippines remained free from any case of the influenza virus infection. That is, until yesterday.

Also known as the 'Swine Flu', the first case of A(H1N1) flu virus infection in the Philippines was confirmed yesterday by local authorities.

A 10-yr old child from a trip in the United States and Canada was confirmed to have suffered from fever and cough caused by the A(H1N1)-Swine flu virus. Although she is quarantined and better now, the girl still has some sore throat. The situation was managed and there

“is no community level outbreak,"

said Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III through a World Health Organization (WHO) teleconference.

Parents, relatives and those the child had a close contact with were given anti-viral drug, advised for quarantine, and are under observation by the authorities. The location of the child and relatives are currently undisclosed.

The public is advised not to panic since the situation is under control. However, precautionary safety measures are still encouraged like avoiding overly crowded places and proper personal hygiene to avoid the spread of A(H1N1) / Swine Flu virus.

* Other similar sources of the news:
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/162338/
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090521-206396/RP-reports-first-case-of-swine-flu