PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST MEXICAN SWINE FLU
to the United States, Canada, New Zealand and other countries, which is
being feared to develop into a global outbreak, this Advisory forewarns
all outbound Filipino workers to take precautionary measures to prevent
being contaminated of the virus.
The swine flu virus which was discovered in Mexico is a novel strain
having an unusual combination of genetic material from pigs, birds and
humans which have reassorted and caused the development of the current
human H1N1 influenza virus. There is no known vaccine specific for the
said virus.
Although the Philippine has remained swine flu virus-free, outbound
Filipino workers are advised to consider the following precautionary
measures:
1. bring several facial masks and to religiously use these masks during travel;
2. refrain from any contact with sick or contaminated person;
3. refrain from any body contact such as embracing or check to cheek;
4. regularly wash hands with anti-bacterial soap and water;
5. have alcohol or alcohol-based cleansers handy;
6. immediately report any unusual case of flu or symptoms affecting a
colleague/co- worker at the jobsite to the management or available
medical health officer.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque issued a call for
the OFW community to take precautionary measures after the World Health
Organization (WHO) raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from
phase four to phase five because of the capacity of the virus to spread
rapidly.
The Labor Chief said that the Department of Labor and Employment has
launched massive information drive on H1N1 virus with Filipino Workers
locally and abroad.
The accredited medical clinics conducting pre-medical examinations
for OFWs are also tasked to aggressively assist in the info campaign.
OFWs are further advised to report any such case to the nearest
Philippine Overseas Labor Offices or Consulate that have been tasked to
closely monitor and immediately report any incident involving OFWs in
their respective areas of jurisdiction.
For information and guidance.
Adopted: 04 May 2009
(SGD.) JENNIFER JARDIN-MANALILI
Administrator