“No confirmed A(H1N1) case in the region,” says DOH

“There are no confirmed cases of A(H1N1) infection in the region.” Dr. Gerna Manatad of the Department of Health – Caraga assures members of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Committee (RLECC) during its monthly meeting, here recently.

The assurance came amidst clamor over A(H1N1), following reports of a possible infection in the region. Recently, one foreigner and 2 balikbayan Pinays were suspected to be infected of A(H1N1) virus after exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

As of press time, suspected infected persons have been tested negative.

To keep the region swine flu free, there is strict surveillance and monitoring in all exit and entry points in the region. Health teams that would test and interview incoming guests and tourists are also put up in seaports, airports and bus terminals.

Barangay Health Response Teams (BHERTS) are also activated to monitor tourists in their locality. The BHERTS are instructed to keep watch of the tourists in their locality and to immediately report to DOH flu-like symptoms in the area.

PSupt. Ramon Espiritu also instructed the chief of the Aviation Security Group to assists the health teams in the airports.

“The police officer assign in the airport should see to it that disembarking passengers follow the quarantine procedures. You help DOH by instructing the passengers where to go and what to do. You can use a megaphone to do that,” says Col. Espiritu.

Espiritu stressed that police presence other than maintain peace and order could also help compel tourists to submit to the monitoring requirements of the health teams. (Lovely Laudette Gamba, PIA-Caraga)

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