Community-level A(H1N1) outbreak in EVisayas declared - DOH

MANILA, Philippines – A community-level transmission of Influenza A(H1N1) was declared in Eastern Visayas in central Philippines, the Department of Health’s regional office said on Thursday. "We’re seeing a community-level outbreak because the confirmed cases already increased to more than 100 and there are lots of cases of influenza-like illnesses," DOH Region 8 head Director Edgardo Gonzaga told GMANews.TV in a phone interview. A community-level transmission happens when, for example, someone who was infected with flu outside the Philippines arrives at a certain area and starts infecting its inhabitants. Gonzaga said the announcement was made Wednesday, after the number of confirmed cases in the region reached 122, of which 108 are students. Still, the health official said there is no cause for alarm because 73 percent, or 90 people, have already recovered. "Thirty-two na lang ang ginagamot ngayon sa region [Only 32 people in the region are being treated]," he said. But the number of those carrying the A(H1N1) virus could increase over the next days because local health officials are still monitoring 625 suspected cases. He likewise clarified that not all provinces in the region have confirmed cases. Eastern Visayas consists of the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, and the chartered cities of Ormoc and Tacloban in Leyte. "Marami sa may Leyte, sa Tacloban [There are a lot of cases in Leyte, especially in Tacloban]," Gonzaga noted. Same outbreak feared in Tacloban City Gonzaga likewise said that a community-level outbreak could be imminent in Tacloban City after 34 students in 10 schools were tested positive for the virus. "Ang sinasabi ng evidence ay baka ganun nga (community-level outbreak) kasi marami nang nag-spread out. Thirty-four students, nag-spread sa 10 schools. Marami ring pinag-hihinalaan na may sakit," he said. [Our evidence showed that there could be a community-level outbreak because the virus had spread to 34 students in 10 schools. There are also a lot of suspected cases.] Gonzaga could not immediately provide the list of schools with confirmed cases. A(H1N1) outbreak Last June, a low-level community outbreak was declared in some portions of Metro Manila, like the cities of Manila, Quezon, and Parañaque. As of July 9, the DOH has confirmed 2,688 A(H1N1) cases, but 95 percent, or 2,543 people, have already recovered. The tally of A(H1N1)-related deaths rose to three last July 13, after two people infected with the virus died. The latest fatalities, however, had pre-existing medical condition. The first A(H1N1)-related fatality in the Philippines and in Asia was a 49-year-old woman who had a pre-existing heart disease. She was an employee at the House of Representatives. Worldwide, there are 94,512 confirmed cases and 429 deaths, according to the World Health Organization’s latest update. - GMANews.TV