More A(H1N1) cases in next 2 years - WHO

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Influenza A(H1N1) would continue to spread in the next two years, the World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday.

“This is the reason why the strategy has shifted from containment to mitigation,” said Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, WHO representative to the Philippines.

Soe said the WHO would no longer require countries to submit reports on the number of cases but instead report their geographic spread and mortality rate.

Soe said the virus is “spreading relentlessly,” while citing that the WHO has a special concern for schoolchildren and those who have underlying diseases.

“We are watching for outbreaks in schools,” Soe said, adding that schoolchildren are super spreaders of the virus from the school to their homes.

Soe added that mitigating measures should ensure that A(H1N1) does not spread in the community.

The Cordillera Regions’ Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) is readying its pandemic preparedness and mitigation plan to battle the virus’ spread.

Soe said Filipinos should be ready by December during the winter season (in Europe and North American countries) because many Filipinos from those countries are expected to vacation in the Philippines.

Countries in the northern hemisphere are where the first cases were detected.

However, Soe reiterated there is nothing to worry about. “Our goal is to reduce mortality and those at risk should be treated immediately.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Myrna Cabotaje of the regional health office here said there are now 370 cases of A(H1N1) cases in the Cordillera region as of July 13.