Bird flu outbreak: DOH alerts hospitals in Pampanga

A DAY after a state of calamity has been declared following an outbreak of the bird flu virus, the Department of Health (DOH) has put on alert all hospitals in Pampanga to be prepared to handle such cases.

In a statement, the DOH said that it has activated its surveillance system for human flu-like illness that could stem from the bird flu outbreak in the town of San Luis.

"The DOH is now alerting hospitals in the affected areas to report similar cases," said the DOH.

In particular, it said they are now looking for human cases, who may have been exposed to avian flu strain in affected areas.

The DOH is similarly calling on any person, who becomes sick with fever and/or sore throat/ cough and had exposure to these dead chickens to report to the local health center or nearest hospital for laboratory testing.

"All health providers should observe respiratory precautions when taking care of patients with flu or flu-like illness," reminded the health department.

The DOH said it also has an adequate supply of anti-flu medication and commodities they can deploy in the event that regional health offices and hospitals will require them.

Aside from preparing for medical response, the DOH said it has also deployed its epidemiologists in the affected areas.

"A team of DOH epidemiologists has been dispatched to assist the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the outbreak investigation," it said.

On Friday, the DA declared an avian flu outbreak in Pampanga after the death of 38,000 chickens from \the virus. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)