Bird flu watch over man

NST: A 61-year-old man, who returned from China last Sunday, has been warded for observation at the Penang Hospital after he showed signs of lung infection, one of the symptoms of bird flu.
"He felt ill soon after his return and began to show flu-like symptoms three days later," State Health and Welfare Committee chairman P. K. Subbaiyah said today.
"Upon advice from a doctor in a private clinic, the man sought treatment at the hospital.
"Initial diagnosis prompted doctors (at the hospital) to admit him yesterday evening in the normal ward for observation."
Subbaiyah said according to the man, he did not have any close encounter with live or dead birds in China.
He also did not visit any poultry farm.
"Despite his age, the man continues to remain healthy," he said.
Subbaiyah said Penang Hospital had set up an isolation ward in anticipation of bird flu cases about three weeks ago.
"Everything is in place. The medical teams are well prepared to face any possible bird flu outbreak and Penang Hospital has been designated as the State avian flu operation centre."
Checks by the New Sunday Times showed that quarantine areas are in place, together with signs placed near the hospital’s emergency entrance notifying the public that the area was restricted for bird flu screening.
State Transportation Committee chairman Datuk Koay Kar Huah urged the State Health Department to conduct stringent checks at all entry points leading into the State, particularly those coming by air and sea.