The first community outbreak in the country is worrisome for two reasons: First, the victims were exposed to the virus due to a medical mission and second, everyone got the virus locally. (see story here). This is quite dangerous, since the virus is now spreading locally and even doctors don't know how to handle such a potentially virulent strain of the virus.
The Department of Health (DoH) seems capable of doing its job but, somewhere, somewhat, it's bungling it. They want to allay fears by telling that the virus is "mild", and not lethal. Yet, it says that the potential of the virus morphing into a more virulent strain is there. And how would it happen?
By the potential of the virus in constant contact with its human hosts. If the human host has a weak constitution and has other viruses, the virus would adapt and cause a "morphing" in the genetic pool. The reason why other countries tried to contain the virus is it wants to avoid such mixing of genetic material from this virus to the next to avoid a contagious situation, similar to the 1918-1920 Spanish flu global pandemic which killed 600 million people.
Here in the Philippines, the DOH must probably consult with the US Center on Disease Control and Prevention. It seems that DOH really don't know what to do anymore. And with classes opening tomorrow, the chances of this virus spreading faster and wider remains high.
Government should probably suspend the opening of classes tomorrow and instead, announce opening in July. THat would allow DoH and the DECS to ensure that schools and their medical teams are well-prepared for possible new community outbreaks in other places, like Metro Manila. DoH should not be too complacent about this virus.
Showing posts with label influenza a h1n1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label influenza a h1n1. Show all posts
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
H1N1 and The Virus of Arrogance & Stupidity
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) confirmed reports that at least five (5) suspected cases of people with Influenza A H1N1 are being observed right now in different hospitals in the country. Two of these cases are in Cebu. So far, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a thousand suspected cases of H1N1 virus infected persons and about 30 fatalities--so far. One of those suspected of having the virus is reported to have improved.
Mrs. Arroyo and her entourage arrived today and subjected themselves to thermal scanning. They will reportedly subject themselves to self-quarantine procedures also. Good.
What is disturbing is the very act of two senators and one Cabinet secretary. The first two acted with arrogance while the other one, well, acted because his political career needs a boost. To hell with what the DOH recommended---he wants to parade and use Pacquiao for his political plans. Talk about kapalmuks, these government officials are beyond redemption.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who just came from the States arrogantly defied the DOH rules on virus containment. Zubiri asked why he's being asked to quarantine himself. He's healthy. He must not undergone self-quarantine.
Zubiri and another senator, Bong Revilla, also disobeyed the DOH ruling on self-quarantine. They said they're fine and if they feel something different, then, that would be the time they'll check themselves to the hospital.
These legislators are dumb, really, really, dumb. They just don't get it.
In times like these, and even if we still don't have an outbreak, everybody should heed what the health authorities say. There should be no exceptions here. Everyone who went out of Nevada, the US state where there is a confirmed human-to-human infectious outbreak, and arrived here in our country should subject themselves to self-quarantine. This is to avoid a possible contamination.
The health department is doing its best to avert a possible pandemic outbreak in the country and here we have government officials who showed stupidity and arrogance!
How would we then expect ordinary citizens to follow government regulations when these senators show arrogance in power? These senators should act as our leaders. Makisama naman kayo! You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Well, what am I saying here? That I even expect these two nincoompoops to follow the law? I must be dreaming.
I must not castigate these two guys simply because it's expected of them to act that way. They don't know any better. Same goes to DENR secretary Lito Atienza who wants to push thru with the Pacquiao roadshow simply because he needs Pacman to boost his political chances. Talk about sacrificing the health of thousands of Filipinos just for a morale-boasting show.
Pooh!
Mrs. Arroyo and her entourage arrived today and subjected themselves to thermal scanning. They will reportedly subject themselves to self-quarantine procedures also. Good.
What is disturbing is the very act of two senators and one Cabinet secretary. The first two acted with arrogance while the other one, well, acted because his political career needs a boost. To hell with what the DOH recommended---he wants to parade and use Pacquiao for his political plans. Talk about kapalmuks, these government officials are beyond redemption.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who just came from the States arrogantly defied the DOH rules on virus containment. Zubiri asked why he's being asked to quarantine himself. He's healthy. He must not undergone self-quarantine.
Zubiri and another senator, Bong Revilla, also disobeyed the DOH ruling on self-quarantine. They said they're fine and if they feel something different, then, that would be the time they'll check themselves to the hospital.
These legislators are dumb, really, really, dumb. They just don't get it.
In times like these, and even if we still don't have an outbreak, everybody should heed what the health authorities say. There should be no exceptions here. Everyone who went out of Nevada, the US state where there is a confirmed human-to-human infectious outbreak, and arrived here in our country should subject themselves to self-quarantine. This is to avoid a possible contamination.
The health department is doing its best to avert a possible pandemic outbreak in the country and here we have government officials who showed stupidity and arrogance!
How would we then expect ordinary citizens to follow government regulations when these senators show arrogance in power? These senators should act as our leaders. Makisama naman kayo! You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Well, what am I saying here? That I even expect these two nincoompoops to follow the law? I must be dreaming.
I must not castigate these two guys simply because it's expected of them to act that way. They don't know any better. Same goes to DENR secretary Lito Atienza who wants to push thru with the Pacquiao roadshow simply because he needs Pacman to boost his political chances. Talk about sacrificing the health of thousands of Filipinos just for a morale-boasting show.
Pooh!
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