FW: DOH - Update No. 30 - Duque Joins Lapus in Oplan Balilk Eskuela, Confirms Five More Positive Cases

June 1, 2009

On the first day of school, Duque joined DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus during the launch of the Oplan Balik Eskuela to ensure the readiness of schools at all levels to prevent and control Ifluenza A(H1N1) among students.

DOH reminded school administrators to be vigilant against A (H1N1) and to implement the preventive public health measures recommended by DOH in its interim guidelines for controlling the spread of A (H1N1) among students.

Duque also re-oriented DepEd, CHED and TESDA officials and school administrators on the School Response Level System for A (H1N1) which outlines the criteria for suspending classes and the actions expected at different response levels particularly when cases of A (H1N1) are reported in schools and when there is already sustained community transmission.

Based on the DOH recommendation and assessment of local conditions, the suspension of classes within a school can be announced by the school administrators concerned if there is already one or more confirmed case of A (H1N1) (Level 3). At level 4, where there is already community transmission, DepEd, CHED and TESDA officials can announce school closure of one or more schools in the affected area.

Meanwhile, DOH today reported another five additional cases of A (H1N1) brining the total numberof positive cases in the country to 21.

Two of the five confirmed cases were connected to the Taiwanese nationals who tested positive for the virus, a 40 year old female and a 51 year old male. The three others all traveled to the United States, a 19 year old male, a 45 year old and a 39 old female. All five are Filipinos. They are now confined in health facilities where they are receiving Oseltamivir and supportive treatment.

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 immeidately. You can also the DOH Hotline (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002.

Duque disclosed that since May 1, 2009, the DOH has monitored 315 CUOs. Of these, 21 were reported a confirmed cases, 262 were discarded when results came in negative, and 32 still have pending results. There are currently 30 new Cases Under Observation (CUO).

In their latest dated May 29, WHO reported a total of 15,510 cases and 99 deaths from 53 reporting countries.