The latest news stories from the major news organizations in Cebu and Manila in the Philippines, the US and other countries.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

May 22, 2009 Major News Stories

1st H1N1 hits RP, public told not to panic


The patient, who is now quarantined, is a 10-year-old girl who arrived in the Philippines last May 18 after a trip to the US and Canada, according to the DOH. 

She no longer has fever and cough, but still suffering from sore throat, said Dr. Eric Tayag, chief of the DOH Epidemiology Center. The DOH did not disclose where the girl is confined. 

The girl only showed symptoms of the disease a day after her arrival, according to a report by radio dzBB quoting Tayag. 

The patient's parents haven't showed symptoms of the disease but were nevertheless given oseltamivir, an anti-viral drug, the report said. 

The government will conduct contact tracing to identify and diagnose individuals who might have come into contact with the infected girl. Health authorities will also check the plane boarded by the girl for traces of the disease.

The DOH urged the public to remain calm following the discovery of the country's first A(H1N1) case. They were also told to observe proper hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Duque said the discovery of the case is something that the government had been preparing for and a result of the collective efforts of both public and private sectors.

Taiwan was the last country near the Philippines that reported a case of the disease, on Wednesday. Struck by the disease was a 52-year-old man, the country's first.

The World Health Organization raised its tally of swine flu cases around the world to 11,034 and 85 deaths.

WHO says most of the new 791 cases have been reported in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Mexico confirmed three more deaths linked to swine flu, while the United States confirmed two since Wednesday's tally.

Seven pending tests for A(H1N1): DoH


Death toll stands at 22


Amparo by SC for Navy whistle-blower


Wave of Iraq bombings kills 66

No comments:

Followers

About Me