Materia Medica Malaysiana

WHO Commends Malaysia On Swift Action On Bird Flu

Asian nations need not panic over the recent outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), but instead take concerted long-term measures to contain it, said WHO Western Pacific regional director Dr Shigeru Omi.

He said the countries should further strengthen their surveillance systems on the outbreak to prevent the strain from re-emerging later. "The virus is still circulating among poultry farms and there is always a chance for the virus to gain the ability to transmit on a human-to-human basis."

"So, people should strengthen their surveillance, but at this point of time, we do not need to panic," he told reporters.

He was here for the opening of the two-day ASEAN Consultation on the Impact of AFTA on Tobacco Trade and Health forum at Hotel Equatorial Penang Monday. Dr Omi congratulated the Malaysian Health authorities for taking prompt and decisive action to contain the avian flu outbreak.

"Malaysia has done a good job to cull the chickens and has taken immediate action to go to the ground to address the issue. The country has also dealt with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) very well, and has learnt from its past experience, the Nipah virus outbreak," he said.

He added that the WHO was not recommending vaccination for animals as a major cure for the virus because it may give a false sense of security. Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the tests on the veterinarian and the three children at the Kota Baru Hospital confirmed that they were free from avian flu.

"They will be discharged soon. And, with this, there are no other suspected avian flu cases in Kota Bharu so far," he said.