Military confirms first H1N1 cases

MANILA, Philippines - Even the military was no match against the scourge of virus.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday confirmed two soldiers were infected with the A(H1N1) Influenza virus, the first recorded case in the military.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner confirmed two Navy personnel were found infected and sent home for 10 days self-quarantine.

“They tested positive, however the good news is that they are recovering, so this is an indication that we were able to contain the spread of the disease,” he said.

Brawner said they suspected the two soldiers got infected in their home since they normally go on weekend breaks.

He said the other soldiers in the unit where the two were assigned were also advised to go on self-quarantine.

“We tested the others and fortunately, none of them contracted the virus,” Brawner said.

The military top brass earlier ordered troops to take steps to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus.

Brawner said troops were ordered to observe proper hygiene and as much as possible avoid close contact to avoid getting infected as hundreds of cases from all sectors have already been reported.

Several schools have already suspended classes after some of their students were found to have been infected.

As of last Friday’s tally, the country has a total of 861 confirmed mild A(H1N1) cases with one related death and 634 fully-recovered patients.

The Catholic Church is even considering suspending Masses should the spread of the flu virus become worse.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez said the Catholic Church is considering suspending Masses as a “last resort.”

Yñiguez though conceded suspending Masses would be a “drastic measure.”

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, on the other hand, said he is not considering suspending Masses amid the viral outbreak.

“We did not instruct them (parishes) to suspend Masses, we just disallowed the hand-to-mouth communion and holding hands while singing the Our Father,” Rosales said.

Back to work

The virus also struck several institutions, including the House of Representatives, with one confirmed fatality.

The House was shut down for five days after one of its employees died from complications arising from swine flu.

But it’s back to work for employees and staff today, Speaker Prospero Nograles announced yesterday.

Nograles reported that as a precautionary measure, thermal scanners would be used at all entrances.

He said the House premises have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Nograles said the family of an official of the Congressional Planning and Budget Department, who has been recovering from flu since last week, has been found negative for the virus.

Two other employees who had tested positive for A(H1N1) have been released from hospital and are now on home quarantine, Nograles said.

“No new cases reported since Wednesday last week,” he added.

Nograles pointed out that they continue to be in touch with the Department of Health for measures and guidelines on how to avoid the virus and contain it.

Nograles said House officials would meet today to assess the situation in relation to preparations for President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.

The SONA is still a month away and there is no need to postpone it, he said.

Journalists covering the House have been told to monitor themselves for flu symptoms as they might have been in contact with employees downed by A(H1N1). – With Jess Diaz, Helen Flores