Only 5 patients can be quarantined at NMMC

The facility the government would use to quarantine people in case of the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus here is only good for five patients. the health department’s spokesperson here said.

Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Jun Galban said the “Sunshine Building” of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) would be used as isolation ward in case of the virus breaks out in northern Mindanao.

“It’s not big enough,” he said. But while the isolation ward could not accomodate many patients, the facility is fully equipped, he said.

Galban also assured that health workers from all levels in Region 10 were briefed and were working on infection prevention.

Earlier, health authorities in neighboring Caraga region said three people in region 13 who came from the US were suspected to have the virus.

In another related development, a thermal scanner would be in place at the Lumbia Airport as a measure to monitor travelers in hopes of preventing the virus from making its way into Cagayan de Oro.

Mayor Constantino Jaraula said the thermal scanner would be installed anytime this week courtesy of the Philippine Airlines.

The equipment would enable authorities to identify passengers with fever, one of the symptoms of the deadly flu.

Jaraula also said he hoped authorities in neighboring Caraga have set in place measures against the spread of the deadly flu.