January 15, 2007

Philippines on alert to prevent outbreak of avian influenza

The Philippines has gone on alert to prevent any outbreak of bird flu after a resurgence of the disease in Asia, the Department of Health (DoH) said Sunday.

Dr Eric Tayag, head of the National Epidemiology Centre, DoH's tasked agency against the dreaded avian influenza, said the department has already concluded their first simulation exercise in the Bureau of Quarantine where they trained personnel as well as staff of airports and seaports in responding to possible bird flu case.  

Thermal scanners, used to detect possible fever in people, are still positioned at the international airport to detect those coming from abroad who may have contracted the disease.

Aside from the simulation exercise, Tayag said they are also coordinating on a regular basis with the Department of Agriculture for the monitoring of the migratory birds in the country as well as the poultry industry.

Patients who were monitored with flu will also be tested to make sure they do not have the disease.

Also, the DoH has stockpiled 100,000 doses of the drug Tamiflu, used to fight the deadly strain of bird flu, he added.

Tayag also said local government units have also been trained to recognise any cases in their areas.

While the country remains bird flu free, the Health official stressed that the country is strictly on alert and firmly monitoring activities on areas that can initiate the occurrence of bird flu.

There has been no incidence of human infection of the deadly strain of bird flu in the Philippines.