Philippine Tourism advisory on Influenza A (H1N1)

As of May 21, 2009, the Philippines has reported one confirmed patient afflicted with the Influenza A(H1N1) – a 10-year-old Filipina who arrived in the country after travelling to the United States and Canada.

At present, the patient is relieved of fever and flu but still has sore throat. She is now under intensive care and strict quarantine by the Department of Health. Household members who have been in contact of the said patient have received preventive medications and are undergoing strict quarantine and observation for flu-like symptoms.

The government continues to monitor incoming travellers in all airports, and entry points including chartered plane terminals and sea ports. Apart from strict surveillance, the government has likewise required travellers to monitor themselves within 10 days after arrival from for any flu-like symptoms.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) maintains that there is no reported cancellation on any of its tourism bookings. DOT’s marketing departments and regional units remain on heightened alert for any case of flu-like symptoms from arriving tourists.

The DOT has likewise urged tourism stakeholders and partners (transportation services, hotels, resorts and restaurants) to be vigilant and impose stricter measures on proper hygiene and etiquette to prevent the virus from spreading.

The tourism industry remains unhampered and has issued no travel restrictions.