A reader has sent concerns about the food to be served during the Pahiyas Festival, if there will be chicken and pork. For now, Phlippines, particularly in Lucban has no reported signs of Swine Flu infection, whether in humans or animals. According to some market vendors and restaurant owners, these foods will still be served during the Pahiyas Festival as they are the main ingredients to many popular Lucban foods like the Lucban Longganisa, hardinera, embutido, kaldereta and the ever popular Pansit Lucban/pansit habhab. Prices of pork remains within normal levels.
Department of Health Update on Mexican Swine Flu
As of April 30, 2009, the Department of Health (DOH) clarifies that there are no reports yet of swine flu among humans in the Philippines in relation to the outbreak that originated from Mexico and other affected countries. Read complete update at the DOH Website.
during a press briefing on Mexican Swine Flu (source: DOH website)
As a precaution, the DOH recommends the following:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If sick, self-monitor and stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
• Consult your doctor immediately should signs and symptoms of flu persist.
To know more about Swine Flu, please visit the following websites:
Department of Health
US Center for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Swine influenza from Wikipedia
2009 Swine Flu Outbreak from Wikipedia