131 new additional Influenza A(H1N1) cases in RP register

DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) already registered over 600 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) flu in the Philippines as of this day.

This after the DOH after gathered a record-breaking of figures of new confirmed cases of the disease in the country.

In a press conference held this day, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III reported there are (131) new additional A(H1N1) flu patients who became positive from the virus after the 24 hour monitoring done by the department.

DOH Chief Duque affirmed that in total, there are already (604) confirmed cases of A(H1N1) flu in the country.

Duque elaborated there are (66) women and (65) men out of (131) new confirmed A(H1N1) flu cases. He said such new influenza A cases are ranging from 2 up to 67 years old.

He said there are (111) Filipinos and (14) foreigners out of the (131) new Influenza A cases who had been infected by the virus.

Duque also mentioned (19) out of (131) new Influenza A cases have travel history among the countries which are currently affected by the flu.

However, Duque reported there are (64) patients, from among the confirmed A(H1N1) flu cases, already recovered after the 24 hour monitoring done by the department.

It can be recalled that DOH recently confirmed that woman who died had also been infected by the virus.

But, Duque made it clear that until now the department cannot still determine if A(H1N1) virus was the cause of the death of that patient.

DOH recalled that the woman died in June 19, 2009 and had been verified with A(H1N1) flu after her cadaver underwent to autopsy.

Duque explained before the patient died that day, her family reported that some flu symptoms were observed on her and therefore, she had went through A(H1N1) flu test. The patient was found out also that she had been suffering from heart failure, infection and severe pneumonia in which she only did a self-medication while being infected by the virus.

The Secretary also advised the public to immediately consult to the physician as soon as the flu-like symptoms hit the body and never wait these signs become acute first before deciding to seek advice from the doctor.

He particularly warned those people who are suffering from kidney disease, asthma and other related illnesses to avoid being infected of the A(H1N1) flu.