Thus far, the CNMI has only two confirmed cases of AH1N1 virus and a few suspected ones, which authorities said a situation that is not considered at a dangerous level yet that should cause for panic.
“Thermal scanning is not proven to be effective at all in preventing flu from coming in,” said Public Health medical and tuberculosis control program director Dr. Richard Brostrom said in an interview with the Variety.
Brostrom said thermal scanners didn’t prove effective to detect people if they are infected with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS as he recalled that about 2.3 million people passed by those a few years ago but none tested positive of the virus.
He added that a thermal scanner is too costly for the cash-strapped government—about $120,000 each.
He also noted that thermal scanners may scare people and create inconvenience if they are posted in crowded places like at the airport, hotels and other similar tourism-related establishments.
The public health director said the best way to fight the AH1N1 virus is to inform the public on how to protect themselves—a policy advocated by the World Health Organization and the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
“What is important is how hotel personnel would address the situation,” Brostrom pointed out. “It is better to keep sick kids or adults at homes.”
Informative materials, particularly those promoting personal hygiene and strengthening health condition, have been distributed to the public before hand.
Brostrom said reports reaching his office noted a continuing rise of positive results of highly-suspicious cases, particularly from private clinics, but these are regular cases of flu virus.
Polymerase chain reaction or PCR testing, is used to detect the AH1N1 strain, and would take at least a week to know the results, Brostrom said.
Samples of suspected AH1N1 virus taken from individuals are being shipped for laboratory confirmation at the Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Precautionary measures
In related news, Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Efrain F. Camacho said the AH1N1 virus should not be a cause for alarm for the CNMI although CPA has not yet taken any steps in screening passengers before entering the islands.
“We are taking the lead from the Department of Public Health,” Camacho said and added there are no emergency instructions from DPH yet.
Schools, however, have started implementing preventive measures against the AH1N1 virus.
The Public School System has activated its emergency task force against the disease as a precaution and private schools have taken a similar step.
“We have posted around the campus posters on hand washing,” said Dr. Christian Wei, President of Eucon International School.
He instructed their students to take vitamin C and other vitamin supplements to strengthen their immune system.
Teachers, he said, are also making sure that students are informed about the virus and they themselves are prepared to prevent its spread within their campus.
“We also observe students with flu like symptoms and ask the parents to bring their sick children home,” he added.
Ladera International School has also taken preventive measures to keep their students healthy.
“We ask parents to bring sanitizers for their children,” Wayne Pangelinan, Director of LISS said.
He said the school makes sure students routinely wash their hands and that their restrooms are always clean. The classroom temperature is also monitored so that students will be comfortable, he added.
