No new case of avian flu

Star: PETALING JAYA: No new case of bird flu was reported in the last two days, and all those warded have returned home, said Health Ministry disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
“The last case involved a 13-year-old girl who was admitted on Monday when she showed flu-like symptoms. She was discharged on Tuesday,” he said.
So far, 17 patients had been admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (KLH) for observation. They all tested negative for the H5N1 virus.
Dr Ramlee said although there had been no new case, the isolation ward at the hospital would remain open to those admitted with flu-like symptoms.
He said those who had been in contact with chickens three weeks ago would not likely be infected as the maximum incubation period was seven days.
Veterinary Services Department deputy director-general Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin said some 20% of villagers had yet to receive compensation for the chickens, birds and eggs that were confiscated and culled.
He said about RM20,000 had been given out to the other affected villagers.
“The last day for culling was Tuesday. We have already given out cash compensation. Those who have not come forward to get their claims can do so until the end of the week,” he added.
Dr Abdul Aziz said 98% of the residents living within a 1km radius of the affected area had been given check-ups while passive surveillance was carried out within a 10km radius.
Meanwhile, a check with the department’s bird flu operations centre in Putrajaya showed that calls were still coming in of chickens running loose in certain areas.
“Some complained about their neighbour’s chickens and birds, and we have even found chickens in kitchens at low-cost flats,” an officer said.
The public can contact the centre at 03-8870 2041/2.