Influenza-like outbreak alarms Ifugao officials

By Jenny M. Dayao

LAGAWE, Ifugao – An influenza-like virus outbreak has erupted in this province alarming health officials.

Aristole de Castro, Nurse II of the Provincial Health Office technical division said massive increase in Influenza-like Illness (ILI) was recorded first quarter of this year in the province.

Ifugao PHO reported enormous increase in the cases of ILI this year. Records showed 393 cases were reported in 2013 but increased to 878 cases January to March this year.

Tinoc and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao recorded the highest cases of the ILI among 11 municipalities of Ifugao.  phenomenon

Severe illness and death from ILI occur primarily among the elderly particularly 60 to 69 years of age according to Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR).

ILI is described as an acute viral disease of the respiratory tract characterized by fever, headache, muscular pain, extreme physical weakness, coryza (colds, inflammation of mucous membrane of nose), sore throat and severe cough.

The manual of procedures of PIDSR says surveillance is very important because of rapid development of influenza epidemics.

Its extensive morbidity and seriousness of complications like viral and bacterial pneumonias can be observed if not treated.

De Castro said the case of specific virus that caused the ILI in the place is still unknown.

He added different viruses resulting to different types of infection might cause influenza.

At present, De Castro said they are trying to identify new viruses that caused the Influenza-like illness and how to get or identify this virus to formulate the proper vaccine.

Further tests are still needed, he added.

To counter the situation, he said the PHO distributed vaccines to municipalities with priorities given to senior citizens.

The immunization started on 2012 and is quarterly given to the residents until now.

“But the vaccine given to the residents will still lead them to ILI if the vaccine is not appropriate with the illness,” he stressed.

PHO reminded locals to maintain proper hygiene practices and health-related precautions to avoid incidents of ILI and other health problems.

The negligence of maintaining a good personal hygiene which includes proper hand washing can lead to serious infection caused by deadly diseases, the PHO said.