WV registers 8 confirmed A(H1N1) cases, 71 under observation
Western Visayas now has eight confirmed cases of Influenza A(H1N1) while 71 individuals showing symptoms of the flu are considered cases under observation (COU).
The latest patient found positive for A(H1N1) virus is a one-year old Japanese national from Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
A daily update posted on the web by the Center for Health Disease-Department of Health in Western Visayas showed that of the eight confirmed cases, four are from Bacolod City, one from Talisay, one from Iloilo City and two from Capiz.
Of the eight confirmed cases, five of the patients were already discharged. The remaining patients are still under medication. Contract tracing on the three cases are being done by the local health personnel.
The Japanese infant arrived in the country from Japan on June 11, 2009 and manifested influenza like illness on June 13, 2009. On June 16, 2009, he was admitted in a private hospital in Bacolod City. The Talisay City Health has started the contact tracing.
The 71 reported cases under observation covers from May 18 to June 25, 2009. Of the 71 reported cases, 28 are males and 43 are females. Filipinos dominate the figures with 56 and 15 are foreigners. The age level is one year old to 89.
Iloilo has the most reported number reaching to 35. It is followed by Negros Occidental with 22, Capiz nine, Aklan four and Antique one. While, 17 cases were found negative of the influenza and 46 are still waiting for their laboratory results from the RITM.
In the same site, the health department has cited two parameters for a case to be considered as CUO, these are: anyone with influenza-like illness with history of travel to a country with laboratory confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in the past 10 days and anyone with influenza-like-illness who has close contact with confirmed case within 10 days of onset symptoms.
A person who has flu-like symptoms is advised to consult their doctor for proper medical assessment. The doctor will recommend for a rest and medication if she or he is not infected with the influenza, said Dr. Glen Alonsabe, chief epidemiologist.
Alonsabe, in an interview over the radio discouraged the person with flu-like symptoms for a home remedy. The best remedy is to seek medical help as there are other illnesses such as dengue, typhoid and A(H1N1) that is currently affecting the health of the people.
The health department is closely monitoring the cases of influenza in the region.