What's a footbath got to do with it?

NAIA intensifies bird-flu watch

By Jonathan M. Hicap, Reporter The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has intensified its watch against bird flu following reports of continued outbreaks in several countries. In a memorandum issued on December 27, Alfonso Cusi, MIAA general manager, ordered all airport personnel to continue the use of thermal scanning for incoming passengers and flight crew and the use of footbath to prevent the entry of the virus from affected countries. Cusi said the Ministry of Health in Indonesia confirmed the country’s 57th death from the bird-flu virus. A 35-year-old female died of the virus on November 28. Indonesia confirmed 57 deaths of the 74 cases of bird flu. He also ordered the full staffing of medical personnel detailed at the MIAA-Bureau of Quarantine and the continuous coordination with offices to ensure that guidelines are followed. The World Health Organization said there are 258 confirmed bird-flu cases in the world with 154 confirmed human deaths. “We cannot allow any risk or threat that will imperil our nation’s present condition,” Cusi said in the memo.