AFTER two residents of Cagayan de Oro were found positive of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula said the City Government is now doing monitoring on other possible cases though he assured that the two patients are now fully recovered.

“Monitoring gyud ang importante and of course, articulation nga dili kita dapat mahadlok kay bisan ordinary nga tambal sa flu pwede na man magamit para ani (Monitoring is important, including the articulation that we should not be scared of this because even ordinary flu medicines can be taken against this sickness) ,” Mayor Jaraula said in a press conference Monday.

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He added that one of the patients has even left the country, indicating that flu-stricken people need not worry that their sickness would head for a fatal turn.

The mayor said those who suspect having contracted the virus only need to submit themselves for examination immediately.

Jaraula also emphasized the importance of sanitation in preventing the spread of the virus, such as proper hand washing technique.

In Northern Mindanao, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that there are 10 cases of A(H1N1) – two in Cagayan de Oro, six in Bukidnon and two are in Cotabato City who are residents of the region.

But DOH public information officer Emiliano Galban said all the 10 patients have already recovered, some of whom were taking ordinary medicines for flu, and not the recommended Tamiflu.

As of last Friday, the number of A(H1N1) cases in the country has swelled to 861. However, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said 634 people or 74 percent of the confirmed cases have fully recovered.

The World Health Organization reported in its latest update 59,814 swine flu cases in more than 100 countries and 263 virus-related deaths. (Terry D.C. Betonio)