Don't panic, says Liow as government takes action

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have been advised not to panic as the authorities have joined forces to keep the deadly swine flu away from our shores.
The Health Ministry and Immigration Department have tightened screening processes at all entry points while awaiting further information from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the government was very concerned about the outbreak of the virus in Mexico and the United States and was taking steps to ensure Malaysians were not infected.
The swine flu virus is said to a combination of avian, human and swine viruses.
There is no vaccine for the flu. Experts say the best precaution to avoid being infected is to keep hands clean by washing them.
"We are concerned about what is happening in Mexico, Texas and California, and we are closely monitoring the situation.
"Anyone who had visited these places after April 17 should inform us so that we can conduct the checks on them. We have also raised the alerts at airports and ports where we will conduct extensive screening similar to what we did during the avian flu outbreak."
Liow added that his ministry was working closely with WHO.
"At this point, WHO has yet to raise the international alert level. And when they do so, we will be ready to implement the necessary measures."
Liow advised Malaysians not to panic as the government would take steps to stop the disease from spreading to Malaysia. "We will also keep the people informed of any developments."
The symptoms of the swine flu are similar to that of ordinary flu.
Meanwhile, Bernama reports that the Health Ministry's disease control division has activated its operations room to monitor the situation.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said in a statement medical practitioners who treated people with influenza who had visited Mexico, California or Texas after April 17, should inform the district health office immediately.
For more information, call 03-88810200/88810300 or visit www.moh.gov.my