Bird flu ‘hot line’ now open

A new virus has invaded cyberspace and it’s spreading useful information to Filipinos worried about bird flu.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday that health advisories and other essential information concerning the bird flu virus are now available through the Internet and a cellular phone hotline.

For those using the Internet, information can be accessed at the DOH website (www.doh.gov.ph) while Smart cellphone users can get information by texting inquiries to hotline "155."

The DOH said the information available through the hotline could help not only the public but local chief executives and health workers as well.

At this time, the DOH maintained that the country remained free from bird flu but authorities are constantly monitoring the situation and taking measures to prevent entry of the virus to the country.

The DOH also reiterated that dressed, chilled or frozen chicken purchased in markets and food stores nationwide are safe for public consumption.

Meanwhile, the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) urged international cooperation yesterday in fighting the spread of bird flu, saying the disease could spread to more animals.

The H5N1 bird flu virus has killed at least 22 people and has prompted the slaughter of tens of millions of poultry in 10 Asian countries and territories.

FAO director-general Jacques Diouf said his agency has committed $5.5 million to help coordinate the fight against bird flu and support individual countries. He said he has also written to leaders of developed countries for assistance.

"It’s quite a serious problem," he said. "Unless we deal with it very seriously, there is the risk not only of birds contracting it but also other animals, and naturally we have also seen the effect on humans. That’s why it is necessary that we cooperate together in the region."

He said FAO will hold a regional meeting in Thailand on Feb. 27-28 that will "look at best strategies" for fighting bird flu, aside from culling and vaccinations.

One such strategy could be the DOH hotline 155, which Smart and Talk ’n Text subscribers may call for information about the avian influenza.

A joint effort of the DOH, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Smart, the hotline service will help disseminate information about the disease.

Authorities stress that though the Philippines has not had a case of bird flu, public cooperation is needed to help control and contain it.

In a joint statement, the DOH and the DA asked the public to report any unusual deaths of chickens to authorities for proper diagnosis and for implementing additional precautionary measures in the affected areas.

"There is no need to be alarmed. The country is free from the virus and measures are in place to prevent its entry to our country. Our weapons against the malaise are prompt and proper reporting of any sick bird and observing individual hygiene always," a joint statement signed by DOH Secretary Manual Dayrit and DA Secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr. said.

The 155 hotline was introduced to the public last year to respond to queries regarding the Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which was then threatening to turn into a worldwide epidemic.

But with bird flu very much in the news, Smart customer service representatives will be on board via 155 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday to answer questions about bird flu, its causes, transmission, symptoms, prevention and treatment. Calls will be charged P6.50 per minute.

With over 21 million Filipinos owning cellular phones, mobile communications have become a vital tool for quick and timely reporting of public health concerns, said Ramon Isberto, Smart public affairs head.

Though the virus affects mainly chickens, turkeys, ducks and other birds, it can be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected birds.

To prevent this, the public is advised to observe proper hygiene by always washing their hands. There has yet been no conclusive evidence of transmission of the avian influenza virus from person to person.