QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Department of Health allayed the public’s fears on the bird flu outbreak in Pampanga, saying there was a small possibility of the bird flu virus affecting humans.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial made the statement after an outbreak of bird flu in San Luis, Pampanga.
Ubial also said that it was safe to eat bird flu-infected poultry if it was properly and well-cooked.
“Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag po silang mangamba sa pagkain or paggamit ng mga poultry product, hindi po ito pinanggagalingan ng avian flu, ang pinanggagalingan po ay mga buhay na manok at buhay na mga ibon,” Ubial said.
-Precautionary measures
Ubial also advised the public to take safety and precautionary measures to avoid getting sick.
“We are advising the public to take flu precautions. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. Wash your hands often. Take plenty of water and juices, and have enough rest and sleep,” Ubial said.
“If you have flu symptoms that last longer than three days or feel very weak, see a doctor or go to the nearest hospital to test if it’s bird flu,” she added.
Ubial also appealed to poultry handlers and those working in poultry farms to strictly adhere to hygiene and quarantine practices
“Sa mga kababayan naman natin na poultry handlers, atsaka nasa farm, ay talaga pong dapat paigtingin po natin iyong ating hygiene practices at yung quarantine practices. Dapat po ay magglo-gloves po tayo, magmamask at magbobota, then paglabas po natin sa farm ay nagdidis-infect po tayo, hugas ng kamay and then i-dispose yung lahat ng ginamit natin sa loob ng farm,” Ubial said.
The DOH is now closely monitoring those who have had direct contact with the infected poultry.