2 A(H1N1) cases here found negative in second swab test

CEBU, Philippines – Two of the three patients earlier announced to be positive of the A (H1N1) virus here in Cebu have been discharged after results of their second test sent to the Regional Institute of Tropical Medicine in Manila rendered negative.

Dr. Susana Madarieta, regional director of the Department of Health-7, announced this yesterday and said that the two were already doing okay but were advised to still look after their health and monitor themselves for the next few days.

Madarieta said that the two were also asked to distance themselves from the public first for at least five days.

According to Madarieta, the only one left right now is a 42-year-old female who is also showing signs of recovery. She said that they have already taken the second swab sample from the patient which will be sent to the RITM. If results, which will hopefully be out today, turn out to be negative then the patient will also be discharged, Madarieta said.

So far, there have been 36 cases under observation starting from that time the A (H1N1) virus alert was hoisted all over Cebu.

Madarieta said that they are also expecting faster results because of the courier they have right now which is designated to pick up the samples and deliver these to the RITM.

She also said that so far, the number of cases that they have received is still controllable and those that tested positive are just the mild form of the virus.

 “There is no cause of alarm and we are still on top of the situation,” Madarieta assured.

 Aside from the medication given to the patients, Madarieta said that they have also given medication to those who has close contact with the people who tested positive even if they did not show any signs and symptoms of the flu.

Meanwhile, because of the start of the classes, Madarieta said that a response level has been made.

She explained that like the signals during a typhoon, there are also four levels in the A(H1N1) virus alert.

She said that the level one would mean that there are no cases in the country yet while level two would mean that there are confirmed cases but not yet in schools. The country is currently on level two.

Madarieta said that level three would send a signal that cases are confirmed in schools and that level four would be when these cases reach the community.

“Maabot na gani ang time na daghan na ang walay history of travel pero positive sila sa H1N1, naa nay community transmission,” she underscored.

Madarieta also said that they have already given guidelines to the schools on what to do in case they have students showing symptoms of the flu.

Also, she said that they are asking the students who just traveled abroad to self quarantine first for 10 days after they reached the city and to not attend classes until they are sure that they are already in the pink of health.

She said that students suffering from the flu will be excused from their classes and will be given make-up activities for their absences.

This, according to Madarieta, would help prevent further problems in tracing contacts if there would be a possible case in the schools. – AJ dela Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)