DOH - Update No. 22 -PRESS STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT SITUATION OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1) IN THE PHILIPPINES

May 25, 2009

As of May 25, the Department of Health has identified ten new Cases Under Observation (CUO), eight of whom are from NCR, one from Region I and one from Region VII. Since May 1, the DOH has monitored 113 CUOs, two of whom were confirmed cases of A(H1N1). Fifteen CUOs still have pending laboratory results, the remaining 96 have been discarded since they are negative for Influenza A(H1N1).

Globally, the World Health Organization reported a total of 12,022 cases and still 86 deaths in 43 countries as of May 24. There are no new countries reporting confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1).

Update on the two confirmed cases in the Philippines. Both cases are well and do not have any symptoms. They are still being monitored and will be discharged once their repeat PCR becomes negative for A (H1N1). At present, all their close contacts have not reported any symptoms of flu and are observing home quarantine.

Update on the Taiwanese two nationals. On further investigation, the Department of Health was informed that the Taiwanese nationals did not attend a yoga workshop in the Philippines. However, it was found that this confirmed A(H1N1) case and her daughter did attend a social gathering while visiting the country. The DOH is now in the process of tracing their contacts and will update you as information becomes available.

We would like to reiterate that if you have traveled to an Influenza A(H1N1) affected country or have been exposed to a confirmed case of Influenza A(H1N1) and have fever, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms, please consult a health facility immediately. You can also call the DOH Hotline (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002.