Young girl is first case of H1N1 flu in Philippines
Posted: 22 May 2009 0130 hrs

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MANILA: A 10-year-old girl who flew in from the United States earlier this week has become the first Influenza A(H1N1) flu case in the Philippines, the health department said on Thursday.

The girl, whose nationality was not disclosed, arrived in the Philippines with her parents from the US and Canada on Monday but did not develop a fever until the following day, the health secretary said.

"The Department of Health is officially announcing this evening the first confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in the Philippines," Francisco Duque told reporters here by teleconference from the Geneva headquarters of the WHO.

The child no longer has a fever but her throat remains sore and she is under observation and her family quarantined, he said, adding that she had been prescribed anti-flu medication.

Health authorities are tracing people who have had contact with the girl since her arrival, Duque added, adding there was "no community-level outbreak" but urged public vigilance.

Seven other people are under observation at different Philippine hospitals but laboratory tests have not been completed, the official said.

"We reiterate to the public that the government is on top of the situation and everyone is advised to be vigilant," Duque said.

More than 11,000 cases and 85 deaths have been recorded worldwide since the outbreak of A(H1N1) influenza emerged in Mexico and the United States a month ago. - AFP/de