There’s no need to worry, it’s safe to eat chicken

Star: PUTRAJAYA: The H5N1 virus has not infected humans in Perak or other parts of the country, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
“Humans are still free from bird flu. No cases have been reported in Bukit Merah Laketown Resort or Kampung Changkat Tualang in Perak where the H5N1 virus has been detected,” he said.
“There is no need to worry or panic. Don’t be influenced by rumours. It’s safe to eat chickens and eggs, as long as they are washed and cooked properly.”
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday that tests on dead birds found at Ecopark in Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, Kerian, and Kampung Changkat Tualang, Kinta district, about 100km away, showed the presence of the H5N1 virus.
The culling of some 38,000 birds has also begun, and compensation will be given to those affected.
Dr Chua said active surveillance started yesterday within the 300m radius of both the affected areas, similar to what was done in Setapak last month.
No new cases of infected birds had been found in Setapak since then.
“Four teams each have been sent to the Kerian and Kinta districts to check on the residents,” he said.
“The two-member teams are going house-to-house to ensure that those with fever, flu, cough and sore throat are sent to hospital.
“Flyers and health alert cards are also being distributed to create awareness and to help people identify the symptoms, which include respiratory tract infections,” he said.
Dr Chua said suspected cases would be sent to the Batu Gajah and Taiping hospitals, which had isolation wards and protective gear for the staff.
“The Ipoh Hospital will also have similar facilities but will only attend to severe cases,” he said.
Those who need information can call the ministry’s hotline number at 03-8888-6212.
On a report yesterday that a farmer from the affected village may have contracted the bird flu, Dr Chua said people should not overreact as no bird flu case had been reported among humans locally.
He also said doctors could not diagnose the disease on the spot as tests had to be conducted first to determine whether the symptoms were normal flu or something more.