Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Kidapawan City intensifies campaign on Influenza A(H1N1)


Dr Ted Calica, of the Kidapawan City Hospital, speaks to students of Notre Dame College about the dreaded Influenza A(H1N1) virus. A local woman was said to be infected by the virus. The Philippines has reported its first Influenza A(H1N1)-related death and that hundreds of people are infected with the virus. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geo Solmerano)
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 30, 2009) – A Filipino woman returning from a trip in Manila was found infected with the Influenza A (H1N1), making her the first local to have contracted the dreaded virus.

The 38-year old victim who arrived in Kidapawan City with her husband is now being treated. Her husband, who recently returned from a job in Japan, was tested negative for the swine flu virus.

Local Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco also ordered an intensified campaign to prevent the spread of the virus. He also ordered local health officials to assist the woman’s family so they can be tested for the virus in Davao City.

He released funding to help support the campaign against the Influenza A (H1N1).
He urged residents to always wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water to help avoid the H1N1 flu virus. He said keeping the hands away from the face, covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, avoiding sick individuals, and staying home when sick are the best ways to prevent contracting and spreading the flu.

The H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, is a respiratory illness similar to seasonal influenza. (Arlene Solmerano)

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