Chua: No proof people are carriers of bird flu

Star: There is no need to ban the entry of visitors from countries affected by the avian flu as there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted from human to human, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua said Malaysians must have the right picture of the H5N1 avian flu virus and not be influenced by rumours.
“Many people ask me why the ministry still allows people from avian flu infected countries such as China, Vietnam and Indonesia to come into Malaysia.
“It must be understood that these people are not carriers and there is no need to ban them,” said Dr Chua.
Dr Chua, who is also MCA vice-president and Johor MCA liaison chairman, was speaking to reporters after the Wanita MCA's central committee meeting here yesterday.
He added that what was more important was that the Health Ministry, Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry, Veterinary Department and other related parties were working closely to ensure that Malaysian poultry was free from the H5N1 virus.
“Protection is not done by banning people. If poultry is found to be affected by the virus, there will be culling and surveillance of the people involved.
“This is more effective than banning. If we declare a ban on visitors from affected countries, there will not be many visitors left who can come to Malaysia,” he said.
On the issue of migratory birds bringing in the virus, Dr Chua said there was “no way to ban such birds,” adding that the only thing to do was to monitor them.
He added that the Wildlife and National Parks Department was already doing random sampling on the birds. So far, tests for avian flu were negative.
“I hope that people will not panic and continue to eat poultry. All preventive measures have been taken to ensure that the meat is safe for consumption,” he added.