MALAYSIA FREE FROM SWINE FLU

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysians need not worry about the
deadly swine influenza as the country was free of the epidemic, said Health
Ministry director-general Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.

He said there were no cases based on observation for signs or
'influenza-like illness'.

Dr Mohd Ismail said to ensure that the situation remained as such the
ministry had activated the disease control division yesterday to monitor the
situation as well as check for signs of the virus at the Kuala Lumpur
International Airport (KLIA) and all other entry points.

"The ministry will also have a joint meeting with relevant agencies tomorrow
to discuss steps that can be taken to prevent and control any epidemic.

"In that regard, the ministry will make press statements from time to time
to inform people about developments and steps taken," he said in a statement
here Tuesday.

Dr Mohd Ismail said a World Health Organisation (WHO) report dated yesterday
said there were 40 cases related to the Swine Influenza A (H1N1) confirmed
through laboratory tests in the United States and in Mexico 26 cases with seven
deaths.

He said there were 1,840 suspected H1N1 cases in Mexico involving 104
deaths.

Six cases were detected in Canada, two in Scotland and one in Spain while
there were 25 cases reported in New Zealand, he said.

Dr Mohd Ismail said based on the situation, WHO had raised the influenza
pandemic warning from Phase 3 to Phase 4 and this showed a possibility of a
pandemic.

"Phase 4 means the virus going from humans to humans and causing an epidemic
among communities but WHO has not placed any restrictions in health, travel and
trade that needed to be made.

"The increase in phase does not mean the pandemic could not be stopped but
the phase could go down or go up based on the information and situation," he
said.

He said given that WHO had raised the level to Phase 4, the Health Ministry
advised people not to travel overseas especially to countries affected.

Dr Mohd Ismail also advised individuals who fall sick while travelling to
get immediate treatment.

Any information on the swine flu can be obtained on 03-88810200 or
03-88810300 or on www.moh.gov.my.
-- BERNAMA