A(H1N1) virus spreading, now in 2 provincial schools - DOH

(Updated 4:45 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines - The mutant Influenza A(H1N1) virus has already spread to provincial schools with the latest cases being confirmed in the National Capital Regions’ neighboring Bulacan province, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday. In a press conference at the De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said eight students of the Doña Candelaria Meneses Duque High School in Bulacan town in Bulacan province have tested positive for the new flu strain. The eight students are among the 46 new cases the DOH reported. As of Monday, the total number of confirmed cases in the Philippines was placed at 193, of which 71 have already been discharged. Last week, 11 students from the Hilera Elementary School in Jaen town in Nueva Ecija province were also found positive for the virus. On Sunday, the DOH declared a community-level outbreak in Barangay Hilera, as the agency sought to trace the origin of the virus infection. But health authorities reiterated that parents should not panic as the schools are still safe places for students. Earlier in the day, DOH Bulacan provincial office head Dr. Zinia Mostoles said the school suspended its classes last Friday, June 12, after 49 students displayed flu-like symptoms. In a phone interview, Mostoles told GMANews.TV that local health officials have been monitoring the suspected cases, and patients have been given medicines. The Doña Candelaria Meneses Duque High School is the second provincial school with confirmed A(H1N1) cases. 'Familiar' with the virus The Doña Candelaria Meneses Duque High School and the Hilera Elementary School are the latest in the roster of schools with students downed by the A(H1N1) virus. The first student confirmed to have contracted the virus was from DLSU. This prompted the school to suspend its classes from June 4 to 14. To date, the DLSU has 16 confirmed cases. At the resumption of classes Monday, DLSU president Bro. Armin Luistro said “most" of the infected students have returned to the university. The school administration distributed 16,000 bottles of rubbing alcohol to students as a precautionary measure. Duque said if another case comes up in DLSU, no suspension would be declared “kasi mas kilala na natin ang virus [we are now more familiar with the virus]." - Mark Merueñas, Mark Ubalde and Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV