Swine Flu Scare and Philippine Tourism
The A(H1N1) virus, better known as “swine flu,” has been causing panic and fear among people the world over since the day its first victim was reported. According to the news, there are already more than 9,000 cases of swine flu reported in 40 countries as of this week. Among them, Japan and Mexico top the number of Swine Flu deaths.
Just recently, the Philippines reported a single case of swine flu from a 10-year-old Filipina who came from the United States and Canada. She’s now out of danger but still under strict quarantine and observation. Members of her household, who had direct contact with her, also underwent quarantine and given preventive medications for health purposes.
It’s comforting to know that despite this news, we are still generally untouched by the virus. Is it our tropical weather that protects us from flu viruses, or are we just lucky? I think both.
On a related note, I admire the efforts of the Department of Health, through its head, Secretary Francisco Duque, in enforcing strict inspection procedures in our airports to detect virus carriers among inbound passengers.
We all know that aside from its negative effects to health, swine flu poses a serious threat to world tourism. Normally, as a precautionary measure, governments declare a travel ban to places where there are reported cases of swine flu.
I hope this Swine flu pandemic stops or better yet, the virus gets eliminated at the soonest time. I pray that we remain safe and our country continues to reap the benefits of a flourishing tourism industry. Or so the Department of Tourism claims. It’s been said over and again that tourism means jobs. Pinoys, especially our workers, need anything but diseases.
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June 25th, 2009 at 8:40 am
[...] Flu Updates in the Philippines The Swine flu pandemic seem to be tightening its grip on the Philippines. More and more Filipinos are getting affected by [...]
July 11th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
the spread of AH1N1 or Swine Flu is really scary. It is a good thing that this virus is not very deadly. We are advised to take Vitamin-C and to wear face masks.
July 14th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
the use of face masks and boosting your immune system by taking lots of vitamin-C is still an effective way of preventing the spread of the Swine Flu virus.
July 18th, 2009 at 12:15 am
i always advice my kids to wear face masks when going into crowded areas. swine flu is really scary and i dont want my kids getting infected by it.