Vigilance Against AH1N1

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

The World Health Orgniztion (WHO) based in Geneva, Switzerland for the past three weeks has issued an imminent pandemic alert Phase 5 to a disease known as Influenza A(H1N1). Its pathogenicity was determined to cause sustained community level outbreaks in at least two countries within the WHO region. As of this date there is no confirmed death in the Philippines but worldwide are 83 deaths and 12,028 confirmed people affected with the virus in 44 countries. Health protocol on national emergencies calls for rapid containment, preventive response by creating public awareness and treatment.

However, much of the anxiety lies in the absence of effective medical drugs like vaccines to combat a new virus that comes from a re-assortment of four viruses from pigs, humans and birds. Health authorities at Center of Disease Control (CDC) in the US say it takes 2–4 months before a drug could be safely used against a known antigen. Disease first cropped up in Mexico and spread to the US, Canada, Spain, United Kingdom, New Zealand and other countries because of high human mobility and exposure to the disease.

Weekly Kapehan guests on May 23 are Dr. Emilia Cortes, Prov’l. Health Officer II, Dr. Fevin Palomar, Human Quarantine Officer Kalibo International Airport (KIA), Dr. Ronald R. Lorenzo, Prov’l. Veterinarian and Engr. Percy A. Malonesio, Manager KIA. They discussed Influenza A(H1N1), a hot topic today. Potential threat is centered on Boracay as among the world’s top tourist destination, passenger transit points at KIA, Caticlan Airport, and Jetty port in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.

Moreover, disease prevention and control are not only limited to human but the swine industry which is significantly contributing to our economy.

Dr. Cortes explained that AH1N1 is an upper respiratory tract infection with physical signs as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pains, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, cough, vomiting or nausea and diarrhea. The mode of transmission is exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of infected persons or in closed contact with infected pigs.

“Absolutely, there is no disease transmission from eating pork as long as it is well cooked,” says the lady physician. Precautionary measures are by covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoiding close contact with sick people.

Definitely, persons experiencing the above stated signs must seek hospital treatment immediately. Satellite referral hospitals are Western Visayas Medical Center, Iloilo City; Vicente Sotto Medical Center, Cebu City; and Corazon Locsin Medical Center, Bacolod City.

In the absence of thermal scanner, Dr. Palomar adopts the tedious process of determining result of thermometer foil strip placed on forehead of airplane passengers and checking yellow forms duly filled up that show previous travel destination and contact with sick animals. Passengers with manifestation of disease like fever and nausea may be temporarily quarantined at designated airport lounge, double checked with oral thermometer. If found serious, he/she may be sent by ambulance to Iloilo City.

The good doctor bewails the absence of thermal scanner at the KIA to expedite detection process of passengers from incoming flights. However, price tag of P1.4 million per unit can be prohibitive but Gov. Marquez has disclosed his plan to install one at KIA. The arrival of international flights direct from Taipei to Kalibo is welcome news to Engr. Malonesio but definitely unseen travelers like AH1N1 is not.

Together with Dr. Palomar and Dr. Panfilo Belarmino, Animal Quarantine Officer systematic protocols from planes’ arrival to departure are in placed. On call is ambulance provided by LGU Kalibo to transport victim(s) from airport to the provincial hospital and thence transshipped to Iloilo City if need arises. Fortunately, a 10 year old girl who recently arrived from Canada and US at KIA turned out negative of AH1N1 at a clinical tests done in Iloilo City.

Dr. Lorenzo maintains that as of now, the country remains bird flu free. The swine flu threat however poses serious concern since it is transmitted from swine to swine and swine to human. Definitely, swine flu vaccines are available only for pigs. The veterinarian advised pork consumers to buy from reputable dealers or public markets where merchandise has passed proper meat inspection. Market stall owners selling meat and meat products along highways in barangays are under direct supervision and control of LGU’s.

Provincial Veteriarian’s Office has deputized quarantine personnel in all entry points of the province whether airport or seaport to regulate the flow of poultry, livestock, wildlife shipments, and processed meat. Shippers must present pertinent papers as veterinary health certificate, livestock handler’s permit, transport license, and other required documents. Otherwise, animals or processed food will be either confiscated or turned back.

Pandemic alert must be given utmost attention not only by authorities but by the general population. It should be recalled that in early 20th century, cholera pandemic outbreak killed 400,000 people in Europe, Asia, and North America. Most practical way pending release of potent vaccine is to curb the spread by increasing body immune system through personal hygiene, balanced nutrition, exercise and spurning vices. Vigilance is the key to survival in these uncertain times. /MP