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DOH says no confirmed human case of avian influenza yet in PH


The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said there was no confirmed case yet of a human infected with avian influenza in the Philippines following its detection in other countries.

In a forum, Dr. Alethea De Guzman, DOH Director IV of the Epidemiology Bureau, said the country is currently at the Stage 2 response plan which means the viral disease was detected among domestic birds.

“Wala pa tayo ni isa na (We have yet to record) confirmed human avian influenza case and we want to be able to retain that status,” she said.

De Guzman said eight regions remained affected by the avian influenza in the country. She, however, did not disclose which regions.

She said Ilocos Sur and North Cotabato reported on-going cases in native chickens and ducks.

Meanwhile, nine municipalities from Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur, and Bataan have recovered from avian influenza.

The DOH official said avian influenza is a viral disease affecting wild ducks, geese, sparrows, and poultry animals. It varies from mild to severe, depending on the virus strain involved.

De Guzman said severe strains called highly pathogenic avian influenza includes H5N1 virus, which is known “to be deadly in humans and birds.”

She said human cases have occurred in people who had close contact with sick birds and contaminated materials.

At least 868 human cases with avian influenza were reported from 21 countries from January 2003 to November 25, 2022. Of the cases, 455 individuals died.

De Guzman, however, said H5N1 virus is not currently a pandemic as it is not easily passed from human to human and it has not affected a large number of people.

“Yung approach natin being able to control sa borders. Walang papasok dito sa natin. Not just monitoring people coming in, but even poultry products na papasok dito sa Pilipinas,” she said.

“And readying not just human healthcare systems but even animal sector if magkakaron ng big outbreak not just poultry but even in humans,” she added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News

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