The Department of Health (DOH) said that the transmission of avian flu virus from birds to humans is a "very rare" event.

The DOH made the statement after the Department of Agriculture (DA) declared an avian or bird flu outbreak in the country last March 30.
"Gayunpaman, hindi kinakailangang mag-alala ang publiko bilang ang chance po ng transmission ng avian flu sa mga tao ay mababa (However, the public have nothing to worry about as the chance of transmission of avian flu to humans is low)," said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during the Malacanang press briefing on Friday, April 1.
"Ayon po sa World Health Organization, ang transmission from birds to humans at humans to humans ng avian flu ay napaka rare. Ibig sabihin, hindi po madalas nangyayari (According to the World Health Organization, transmission from birds to humans, and humans to humans of avian flu is very rare. That means, it doesn't happen very often)," she added.
However, Vergeire urged the public to strictly follow the health protocols as these can help protect them against avian flu since it is also a “respiratory infection,” said Vergeire.
“Inaabisuhan pa rin natin ang publiko umiwas muna tayo sa paglapit sa mga wild birds, sa mga ibong may sakit, o doon sa mga taong naging close contact ng mga ibon o fowls na may sakit (We are advising the public to avoid approaching wild birds, sick birds, or people who have come into close contact with diseased birds or fowls),” she said.
“Ipa-practice pa rin po ang minimum public health standards. Tandaan natin ang Avian flu po is respiratory infection, ibig sabihin, yung ginagawa nating minimum public health standards ngayon---katulad ng pagsusuot ng mask, paghuhugas ng kamay, pag-iwas sa taong may sakit, ay epektibo din po (Still practice the minimum public health standards. Let's remember that avian flu is a respiratory infection. The minimum public health standards such as wearing of a mask, washing of hands, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick—is also effective ),” she added.