PostHeaderIcon 2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines

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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.

“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)

Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.

Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.

The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=

RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009

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