DOH - Update No. 23 - DUQUE CONVENED 2nd COMMAND CONFERENCE ON INFLUENZA A(H1N1)

May 26, 2009

Yesterday, May 25, Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, convened the second Command Conference for Influenza A(H1N1) to discuss the present situation of the novel virus in the Philippines and step up the country’s preparedness and response plan at sub-national and local levels. Current interim guidelines for case detection, laboratory confirmation, case management, contact tracing, and other operational concerns were also discussed.

This critical meeting was attended by members of the Task Force for Influenza A(H1N1), Directors of the Centers for Health Development in all 17 regions, as well as the Directors of the five Referral Hospitals namely Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), San Lazaro Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, and Davao Medical Center.

Globally, the World Health Organization has reported a total of 12,515 cases with 91 deaths in 46 countries as of May 25. Honduras, Kuwait and Iceland are the new countries reporting confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1).

Duque said that as of May 26, there are now seven new Cases Under Observation (CUO), all of whom are from NCR. Since May 1, 2009, the DOH has monitored 120 CUOs, two of whom were confirmed cases of A(H1N1). Of the 120, 111 have been discarded since they are negative for Influenza A(H1N1). The laboratory results of the remaining seven are still pending.

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 two Taiwanese nationals. Both mother and daughter are well and waiting for their repeat PCR to become negative. Three of their close contacts in the Philippines have been traced and specimens have been sent to RITM for testing. Laboratory results of three close contacts of the Taiwanese nationals released by RITM today were negative for Influenza A(H1N1).

Duque reiterated 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.