The Philippines continues to keep itself devoid of the Avian Influenza or Bird Flu as the health authorities have made their security measures stronger against the possible entry of the virus through air and sea ports.

The Task Force on Avian Influenza has been re-activated by the Department of Health (DoH). The Force consists of experts from the Bureau of Quarantine, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and also the Philippine Coast Guard.

Dr. Eduardo Janairo, the director National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC), revealed that the DoH has asked for the re-installation of the thermal scanners that had been taken out of the NAIA following the waning off of the former bird flu scare.

Reportedly, there has not been a single case of H5N1 in the Philippines, be it in animals or humans.

However, Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, program manager of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases is of the opinion that everyone should still be wary of it as the disease progresses very quickly and the virus is also more virulent. The case fatality ratio of the disease is 60 percent implying that of every 10 cases, 6 can die.