Girl, 5, under observation for high fever

CEBU, Philippines – Another child is now under observation at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center after she experienced high fever shortly after she and her parents arrived in Cebu from Los Angeles, California last May 11.

No less than the child’s parents brought the five-year-old girl to VSMMC yesterday after she exhibited high fever.

DOH-7 Regional Director Susana Madarieta said swab sample from the child was already forwarded to the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine. Tests results would reportedly come out today.

Likewise, the DOH is expected to announce today the result of the tests conducted on the swab sample from the three-year-old half Filipino, half-German boy who showed symptoms of infection by the H1N1 virus.

Madarieta explained it is possible that there will be more cases that would be placed under observation considering that international flights would continue to arrive in Cebu everyday.

Another factor, she said, is the advent of the flu season such that many would experience fever, cough and colds.

The good news, however, is the arrival of the kits that would confirm H1N1 cases, which would allow health agencies to isolate H1N1 cases.

Madarieta said they are thankful that the public are aware of the symptoms of the virus and the information drive is effective, especially airports. She said they very much appreciate those who arrive from another country and voluntarily submit themselves to tests when they experience signs of flu.

Madarieta said no reports of trauma from experience of being quarantined have been reported.

“We are not scaring the people, we would just like them to be aware and the information to be disseminated,” she added.

Madarieta said they understand the sentiments of the business sector on the effect of reports of possible H1N1 cases from other countries but said there is a need to be vigilant and strengthen the surveillance.

Madarieta said they would also tap private hospitals to accept patients with symptoms of the flu. It is only when a case is confirmed that the patient would be transferred to VSMMC.

As of yesterday, the DOH central office recorded 46 cases under observation, 39 of which already proved negative while laboratory results of seven others are yet to be released.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council will work on the production of fashionable masks and cleansing agents in the hope to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo, action officer of CCDCC, said the fashionable masks and cleansing agents like bar and liquid soaps will be produced by the women’s group Katipunan ng Liping Pilipino.

“We will create it fashionably so that it will not stir panic among city and other residents,” Carillo said. — AJ A. de la Torre with Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)