3 students found with H1N1 no longer have fever

CEBU, Philippines - The three Maritime students of the University of Cebu Lapu Lapu-Mandaue campus who tested positive for Influenza A(HINI) virus the other day no longer have fever.

But 14 more are under watch after displaying flu-like symptoms.

“Kadtong tulo ka positive sa virus naka-recover na sila. Ang atoa nalang usban pa nato sila pagkuha og swab sample karong adlawa kung wala nab a gyuy virus sa ilaha,” DOH regional director Susana Madarieta told The FREEMAN yesterday afternoon.

DOH conducted last week seven swab tests among the seven Maritime students, who were earlier to found to have high fever.

Of the seven, three were tested positive, one was tested negative while the results of the other three are still pending before DOH Central Office.

The three Maritime students, who were tested positive of the disease came from Luzon, which prompted the school administration to suspend its classes beginning Saturday until June 29, 2009.

Madarieta said that DOH epidemiologist Reynan Cimafranca already proceeded to UCLM campus yesterday bringing some medicine, masks and swab kits.

As of last night he reported taking swab samples from 14 more students who appeared to develop flu-like like symptoms.

As a result of the positive results, 600 other Maritime students, who were scholars of the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association, were quarantined at the school’s dormitory which is located within the six-hectare school campus.

Because of the dreaded disease, University president Augusto Go ordered the school closed until June 27.

According to Madarieta, monitoring the students is necessary because they believe the three students found with the virus may have already passed the virus during their ordinary conversations in the past days.

The DOH have already sent Tamiflu for the students as well as masks for the students as prevention as health authorities believe that the virus can be transmitted airborne.

While health officials are monitoring the cadets, a massive disinfection operation will be conducted today in the school campus. Disinfectants will be used in cleaning the rails, walls, tables, chairs and other areas or anything that the students touched.

Meanwhile, 6th District Provincial Board member Wenceslao Gakit, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor, released Health Advisory brochures against the feared H1N1 virus.

Gakit said that the said brochure will be given to all private and public schools within the 6th District.

The Board Member also said that he is hoping that some other board member will replicate what he is doing. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Edwin Ian Melecio and Johanna Natavio/BRP (THE FREEMAN)