MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) An 11-month-old Filipino boy who came from Japan has been placed under observation for possible infection of the A(H1N1) flu virus, a health official said Monday.

In an interview with reporters, Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, program manager for Dengue and Emerging Infectious Diseases of the Department of Health, said that the boy was admitted May 16 at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa City and test results on the throat specimen taken from him would be out midweek.

Asked what symptoms the baby had, Lee Suy said, “The symptoms are general and are the same regardless of age. As of now, this is not a confirmed infection yet, so we still need to observe and await the laboratory results.”

“There is no need to quarantine the immediate family of the baby,” he added.

As of May 18, a total of 62 cases under observation (CUOs) have been reported in government and private hospitals. Based on laboratory tests at the RITM, 61 were found to be negative for the A(H1N1) flu virus.

“The threat of Influenza A (H1N1) is getting nearer our country,” the DOH said in a statement.

In the western Pacific region where the Philippines is located, six countries have been affected: Malaysia, China, Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

“This is the very reason why the DOH remains vigilant in its guard against the possible entry of Influenza A (H1N1) to our country. Thus the DOH reiterates that all incoming passengers from countries with confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) should closely monitor their health status for 10 days from arrival,” according to the statement.

“Should they develop flu-like signs and symptoms, they are advised to seek medical consultation early for prompt testing for Influenza A (H1N1) and immediate institution of proper medical management,” the DOH added.