Kalibo, Aklan – No confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) have been reported in the province of Aklan, according to provincial hospital chief Dr. Paul Macahilas.

A 12-year-old girl from Taiwan who was placed under observation for influenza-like symptoms on June 26 at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital had already been sent home, he said.

The Taiwanese girl developed influenza A (H1N1) symptoms upon her arrival via China Airlines on a chartered flight at the Kalibo International Airport for a holiday in Boracay Island with her parents.

Macahilas said the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) throat swab results showed she was negative of the H1N1 flu virus.

“The flu specimen was tested and the result was negative. RITM made known the throat swab results of the Taiwanese national on Monday morning,” Macahilas said in an interview with DyRU Super Radyo.

A patient is listed as a case under observation (CUO) or suspected case of influenza A(H1N1) regardless of age, religion, nationality, if he has symptoms of acute respiratory illness and with recent history of travel to an area or exposure to a confirmed case of swine flu, the Department of Health (DoH) said.

Meanwhile, patients with influenza-like illness, fever, cough and sore throat should stay home for quarantine to prevent the spread of influenza in the community.

Under the DOH guidelines, hospitals, health centers and clinics should be ready to handle the surge of patients who seek medical assistance and consultation related to influenza A (H1N1).