Philippines warn against flu epidemic

The Philippine health department urged on Tuesday the public to be vigilant against influenza that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Health Secretary Enrique Ona said his office is monitoring the flu season in the United States as the sickness could reach the country through Filipinos and other visitors who arrive here. "Though there are neither travel nor trade restrictions imposed concerning the U.S. flu situation, we must be on our guard to detect influenza cases not only at our ports and airports but also from our health facilities," he said. Ona said he had ordered the Bureau of Quarantine to intensify fever screening at the points of entry. Citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, the health official said that overall influenza activity remained elevated in America during Dec. 30 to Jan. 5 period. Though the influenza season in the Philippines is from July to December of every year, Ona stressed the need to be vigilant. Influenza is a viral illness that easily spreads from person to person through droplets made when one sneezes, coughs or talks. These droplets land on the mouths or noses of others who stay close to infected or sick people.