By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) stated on Monday that there have been no confirmed cases of human transmission of bird flu in Leyte province, despite the detection of the region’s first-ever Avian Influenza case weeks ago.
According to the latest report from the regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, the DOH regional office in Tacloban confirmed that the two cases of bird flu recorded in a poultry farm in Kananga, Leyte, have not spread to humans.
“The municipal health office of Kananga has been closely monitoring the 23 poultry farm workers who had direct contact with the infected chickens. As of now, there have been no reports of illness among these individuals. Their 10-day quarantine period ended on March 28, 2024,” the DOH stated.
Even if there is no confirmation of human transmission, the DOH will intensify its surveillance activities in the region on influenza-like illnesses, strengthen the campaign regarding the importance of boosting the immune system, and continue to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for additional news about bird flu in the region.
“Although there is nothing for the public to worry about, the Department of Health reminds us to be alert to further reports regarding this disease and other notifiable diseases in the region and to focus only on reliable news sources,” the DOH added.
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.
These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.
The news of bird flu in Leyte broke out on March 12 when the municipality of Kananga reported to the DA about the “abnormal daily mortality” of chickens inside the Leyte Poultry Development Corp. in Kananga.
A month earlier, farm workers observed nasal discharge in some chickens. The onset and exponential mortalities were noted in the first week of March.
The common signs exhibited by the birds included gasping, nasal discharge, and swollen heads.
Two chickens turned positive for bird flu during a rapid test on March 13.
Migratory birds and the illegal movement of infected birds could be the source of infection, according to the farm department. (PNA)
