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| English: Illustration of antigenic shift (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
By Channel NewsAsia's Malaysia Bureau Chief Melissa Goh | Posted: 18 May 2009 1835 hrs
KUALA LUMPUR: It was a dreadful weekend for many Malaysians, as the country reported its first two cases of the highly contagious H1N1 flu.
The two Malaysians with the H1N1 flu virus are said to be recovering.
Although more than 20 thermal scanners were set up at entry points, and over 100,000 travellers were screened, the virus still slipped through.
A 21-year-old Malaysian student tested positive on his return from New York.
He was admitted on Friday to Sungei Buloh Hospital outside the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
His girlfriend continued her journey to Penang, via budget carrier AirAsia. She tested positive a day later.
Authorities launched an immediate search for all who had come into contact with them. That includes passengers on Malaysian Airlines MH 091 from Newark via Sweden, and AirAsia flight AK 5358 from KL to Penang.
Checks at airports have been stepped up, and Malaysian health authorities believe they have been able to contain the spread of the virus.
"There's no spreading of virus in Malaysia yet. We detect these two cases because they have the virus and they come from affected countries. They could have been infected there," said Dr Ramlee Rahmat, director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
A quick check at the Kuala Lumpur central station revealed that Malaysians and foreigners alike were not putting off their travel plans.
"I'm not worried about it; just don't go to America and Mexico," said one Malaysian resident.
"I think it won't be spread, they are in the hospital now. I think we are pretty safe," said another.
"There are more important things to worry about... like the credit crunch and jobs," said a third.
But many are now more concerned about their personal hygiene.
"Don't touch anything. When you touch anything, wash your hands... I think that's better," said one member of the public.
While the search is on for the remaining 70 passengers on board MH 091 and AK 5358, those crew members and passengers contacted have been put on house quarantine till Wednesday.
The health authorities have also advised members of the public, especially those feeling unwell, to avoid unnecessary travelling for the time being. - CNA /ls
The two Malaysians with the H1N1 flu virus are said to be recovering.
Although more than 20 thermal scanners were set up at entry points, and over 100,000 travellers were screened, the virus still slipped through.
A 21-year-old Malaysian student tested positive on his return from New York.
He was admitted on Friday to Sungei Buloh Hospital outside the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
His girlfriend continued her journey to Penang, via budget carrier AirAsia. She tested positive a day later.
Authorities launched an immediate search for all who had come into contact with them. That includes passengers on Malaysian Airlines MH 091 from Newark via Sweden, and AirAsia flight AK 5358 from KL to Penang.
Checks at airports have been stepped up, and Malaysian health authorities believe they have been able to contain the spread of the virus.
"There's no spreading of virus in Malaysia yet. We detect these two cases because they have the virus and they come from affected countries. They could have been infected there," said Dr Ramlee Rahmat, director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
A quick check at the Kuala Lumpur central station revealed that Malaysians and foreigners alike were not putting off their travel plans.
"I'm not worried about it; just don't go to America and Mexico," said one Malaysian resident.
"I think it won't be spread, they are in the hospital now. I think we are pretty safe," said another.
"There are more important things to worry about... like the credit crunch and jobs," said a third.
But many are now more concerned about their personal hygiene.
"Don't touch anything. When you touch anything, wash your hands... I think that's better," said one member of the public.
While the search is on for the remaining 70 passengers on board MH 091 and AK 5358, those crew members and passengers contacted have been put on house quarantine till Wednesday.
The health authorities have also advised members of the public, especially those feeling unwell, to avoid unnecessary travelling for the time being. - CNA /ls
From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.
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