BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health (DoH) in Northeastern Mindanao declared Sunday a foreigner and two “Pinay” Caraganons negative of A (H1N1) virus after being previously tested for exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

However, sources from DoH Caraga regional office said another case is under observation and waiting for laboratory results.

The new patient is currently being isolated in an undisclosed hospital in the region.

"To date Caraga has no confirmed case. We are now waiting for the laboratory result from another A (H1N1) suspected carrier who showed mild respiratory symptoms," said a health official who requested anonymity.

Meanwhile, the DoH released interim guidelines for prevention and control of influenza A H1N1 in schools.

The DoH personnel distributed to public schools information materials and checked the availability of hand-washing sites to prevent and control influenza A (H1N1) among students.

School administrators are constantly being reminded of the need to stay vigilant against A(H1N1). They urged teachers to implement preventive health measures written on booklets being distributed as their guidelines in controlling the spread of A (H1N1) among students.

In a related development, Northeastern Mindanao DoH Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon, who at the same time is the de-facto chairman for Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), presented output and action plan to prevent the entry and immediate containment measures of the disease.