Update: Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Enters Philippines

The Department of Health confirmed Thursday night (May 21, 2009) that a 10-year old Filipina who arrived in the Philippines from the United States has tested positive of the Influenza A H1N1 Virus.

Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III, who is attending a World Health Organization meeting, said via a video conference, " the DoH confirms today the first case of AH1N1 in the Philippines. She is a female traveler who arrived in the country on May 18 from the United States, whose throat specimen tested positive based on results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine".

The DOH calls on all the people to be vigilant in ensuring proper hygiene and being extra health conscious in order to avoid the flu virus.

Even in various private and government offices, people are being advised to practice proper hygiene, such as:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Making sure your children follow this advice.