Star: PETALING JAYA: Poultry farmers are netting their farms to prevent the domestic fowls from coming into contact with wild birds which could spread the avian flu virus.
Selangor and Federal Territory Poultry Traders Association adviser Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng said the measure was to prevent wild birds from entering their farms.
“Minimising contact between chickens and wild birds can prevent the animals from being infected.”
He said farmers had also been told to take extra efforts to ensure hygiene at their farms to prevent any outbreak.
Lee also suggested a temporary ban on open slaughtering of chickens at all Kuala Lumpur wet markets “as a measure to prevent the possibility of the virus spreading to humans.”
He said chickens slaughtered and processed at slaughtering houses under a controlled environment was one way of preventing the virus from spreading.
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Two Discharged As First Checks On Bird Flu-Hit Area Completed
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Two children, aged 18 months and six years, respectively, have been discharged from hospital after results of bird flu tests conducted on them came back negative.
Health authorities on Thursday completed the first round of checks on 505 houses and 2,065 residents within the 300m radius of the bird flu-hit area in Jalan Genting Klang, Kuala Lumpur.
Disclosing these developments Friday, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said only two residents admitted yesterday -- a 42-year-old man and a 10-year-old girl -- remained in hospital and were awaiting test results.
There had been some confusion in earlier reports pertaining to the gender and age of the two residents involved.
Speaking to reporters at his office here, he said the second phase of checks began Friday and this would not involve house-to-house screening.
"Health personnel involved in the operation too are being monitored, and so far they are clear of the deadly bird flu H5N1 virus," he said.
Several settlements along Jalan Genting Klang, including Kampung Pasir Wardieburn and Kampung Belakang JPJ, have been hit by the virus which killed chickens there, prompting health authorities to move swiftly to contain the outbreak.
Elaborating on the second phase of inspections, Disease Control Division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said health officers would still be in active detection mode within the 300m radius.
"But the modality may not really be house-to-house checks. They are going back there to look for houses and residents that they may have missed in the first round," he said.
In addition, he said, what was termed as "table top" exercise would be conducted by the ministry to see whether the response to the bird flu situation was executed according to plan so that improvements could be made.
Health authorities on Thursday completed the first round of checks on 505 houses and 2,065 residents within the 300m radius of the bird flu-hit area in Jalan Genting Klang, Kuala Lumpur.
Disclosing these developments Friday, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said only two residents admitted yesterday -- a 42-year-old man and a 10-year-old girl -- remained in hospital and were awaiting test results.
There had been some confusion in earlier reports pertaining to the gender and age of the two residents involved.
Speaking to reporters at his office here, he said the second phase of checks began Friday and this would not involve house-to-house screening.
"Health personnel involved in the operation too are being monitored, and so far they are clear of the deadly bird flu H5N1 virus," he said.
Several settlements along Jalan Genting Klang, including Kampung Pasir Wardieburn and Kampung Belakang JPJ, have been hit by the virus which killed chickens there, prompting health authorities to move swiftly to contain the outbreak.
Elaborating on the second phase of inspections, Disease Control Division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said health officers would still be in active detection mode within the 300m radius.
"But the modality may not really be house-to-house checks. They are going back there to look for houses and residents that they may have missed in the first round," he said.
In addition, he said, what was termed as "table top" exercise would be conducted by the ministry to see whether the response to the bird flu situation was executed according to plan so that improvements could be made.
2,000 Chickens Destroyed In Culling Exercise
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The culling of fowls over a radius of one kilometre from where the Avian Influenza H5N1 virus was detected in Jalan Genting Klang, Kuala Lumpur, is expected to be completed on Sunday.
Veterinary Services Acting Director-General Datuk Dr Mustapa Abdul Jalil said 2,227 chickens, 122 ducks, 102 fowls and 516 eggs had been destroyed in the exercise involving the department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the police.
Today's exercise involved 40 teams, and included 62 students from Universiti Putra Malaysia's Medical Faculty.
Dr Mustapa said areas within two to 10 kilometres from where the problem surfaced were also being monitored, involving 122 chicken or fowl owners, 1,820 fowls, three pet shops and 331 other premises.
"So far, 447 samples had been taken and tested and all were found to be without the virus," he told a press conference here.
He said checks and monitoring of the situation were also conducted in other states, adding that so far there were no indications of the virus having spread there.
Dr Mustapa said the public should not worry because chickens, ducks and eggs in areas unaffected by the H5N1 were safe for consumption.
Veterinary Services Acting Director-General Datuk Dr Mustapa Abdul Jalil said 2,227 chickens, 122 ducks, 102 fowls and 516 eggs had been destroyed in the exercise involving the department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the police.
Today's exercise involved 40 teams, and included 62 students from Universiti Putra Malaysia's Medical Faculty.
Dr Mustapa said areas within two to 10 kilometres from where the problem surfaced were also being monitored, involving 122 chicken or fowl owners, 1,820 fowls, three pet shops and 331 other premises.
"So far, 447 samples had been taken and tested and all were found to be without the virus," he told a press conference here.
He said checks and monitoring of the situation were also conducted in other states, adding that so far there were no indications of the virus having spread there.
Dr Mustapa said the public should not worry because chickens, ducks and eggs in areas unaffected by the H5N1 were safe for consumption.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Killer EV71 Virus Re-Emerges In Sarawak
KUCHING, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The deadly Enterovirus71 (EV71) that has gripped the nation in 1997 has emerged again in Sarawak this year claiming one life so far and forcing one kindergarten here to be closed for two weeks since Wednesday.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said as of now there were three-deaths associated with the Hand, Foot and Mouth (HFM) disease and samples had been collected for laboratory testing at the Institute of Health and Community Medicine (IHCM) Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to find the exact cause of the death.
"One was positive EV71 while samples from the other two children were negative for EV71," he told a news conference here Friday.
As a necessary precaution, Dr Chan said one kindergarten was asked to close by the Sarawak Health Department to avoid a possible outbreak.
"We want to break the cycle, if one child has HFM symptom and then one week later, either one or two children are infected with the same symptom, we will close the kindergarten temporarily," he said.
Dr Chan said the Health Department would monitor the situation very closely but advised the parents not to panic and that they should practice high standard of hygiene.
Dr Chan said three major towns in Sarawak registered a sharp increase of HFM's reported case since Jan 1 to Feb 23 this year, with the highest reported cases in Sibu.
"The number of cases from Sibu reported are 436 this year compared to 80 cases in the same period last year," he said adding that for Kuching there were 118 cases this year compared to 41 last year while in Bintulu, there were 211 cases this year from 13 last year.
For other towns in Sarawak, Dr Chan said there was no sharp increase in cases recorded so far.
In 1997, a total of 31 children below five-years old were killed in a span of more than one month and clinical tests had confirmed that the death of 29 children were due to EV71 while the rest HFM-related disease.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said as of now there were three-deaths associated with the Hand, Foot and Mouth (HFM) disease and samples had been collected for laboratory testing at the Institute of Health and Community Medicine (IHCM) Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to find the exact cause of the death.
"One was positive EV71 while samples from the other two children were negative for EV71," he told a news conference here Friday.
As a necessary precaution, Dr Chan said one kindergarten was asked to close by the Sarawak Health Department to avoid a possible outbreak.
"We want to break the cycle, if one child has HFM symptom and then one week later, either one or two children are infected with the same symptom, we will close the kindergarten temporarily," he said.
Dr Chan said the Health Department would monitor the situation very closely but advised the parents not to panic and that they should practice high standard of hygiene.
Dr Chan said three major towns in Sarawak registered a sharp increase of HFM's reported case since Jan 1 to Feb 23 this year, with the highest reported cases in Sibu.
"The number of cases from Sibu reported are 436 this year compared to 80 cases in the same period last year," he said adding that for Kuching there were 118 cases this year compared to 41 last year while in Bintulu, there were 211 cases this year from 13 last year.
For other towns in Sarawak, Dr Chan said there was no sharp increase in cases recorded so far.
In 1997, a total of 31 children below five-years old were killed in a span of more than one month and clinical tests had confirmed that the death of 29 children were due to EV71 while the rest HFM-related disease.
World's First Cervical Cancer Computerised Diagnosis System By USM
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- A team of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) researchers has invented the world's first computerised cervical cancer diagnosis system (CCAID) that is capable of detecting the disease quickly and effectively.
Chief researcher Dr Nor Ashidi Mat Isa said that unlike the old system which required several pathologists and a long time to analyse the cancerous cells, the CCAID only required one pathologist.
"With the CCAID, only one pathologist is enough to detect the cancer within a short period even thought there are lots of cases reported," he said at the Malaysian Technology Expo here last night.
The system was jointly developed by five researchers -- Assoc Prof Dr Mohamed Yusoff Mashor, Prof Dr Nor Hayati Othman, Nor Rizuan Mat Noor, Sariah Rajuli and Nazahah Mustafa.
Dr Nor Ashidi said the computer's smart system was divided into two main components, the light microscope and diagnosis software and a monitor.
"The computerised light microscope can magnify the enlarge cell image by up to 400 times and the image can be recorded and processed via the diagnosis software before being displayed on the monitor screen," he said.
Dr Nor Ashidi added that pathologists would only focus their tests on the affected cells, which would save time.
He explained that vital information like the stage of the cancer, either normal, dangerous or critical, and the accuracy of the test would be displayed.
However, he said, the CCAID was still at laboratory stage where more tests and further research must be performed before it could be commercialised as a mass-screening tool.
Chief researcher Dr Nor Ashidi Mat Isa said that unlike the old system which required several pathologists and a long time to analyse the cancerous cells, the CCAID only required one pathologist.
"With the CCAID, only one pathologist is enough to detect the cancer within a short period even thought there are lots of cases reported," he said at the Malaysian Technology Expo here last night.
The system was jointly developed by five researchers -- Assoc Prof Dr Mohamed Yusoff Mashor, Prof Dr Nor Hayati Othman, Nor Rizuan Mat Noor, Sariah Rajuli and Nazahah Mustafa.
Dr Nor Ashidi said the computer's smart system was divided into two main components, the light microscope and diagnosis software and a monitor.
"The computerised light microscope can magnify the enlarge cell image by up to 400 times and the image can be recorded and processed via the diagnosis software before being displayed on the monitor screen," he said.
Dr Nor Ashidi added that pathologists would only focus their tests on the affected cells, which would save time.
He explained that vital information like the stage of the cancer, either normal, dangerous or critical, and the accuracy of the test would be displayed.
However, he said, the CCAID was still at laboratory stage where more tests and further research must be performed before it could be commercialised as a mass-screening tool.
No removal of lens cleaner here
NST: Eye-care giant Bausch & Lomb has no plans to take its ReNu contact lens solution off the shelves in Malaysia, after the product was linked to a spate of eye infections in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The company yesterday suspended sales of the multi-purpose contact lens solution in Hong Kong, after the health authority began looking into a recent spike in the number of eye infections in Singapore.
Reuters news agency today reported the company would not suspend sales in other markets where there have been no cases of fungal keratitis.
On Tuesday, Singapore’s Health Ministry "strongly advised" contact lens wearers to stop using the Bausch & Lomb product as a precaution until it completed investigations.
The island has seen 39 cases since 2005 with an unusual number last month. Thirty-four of these 39 cases said that they had used a ReNu multipurpose solution by B&L, it said. Three of them had to undergo urgent cornea transplants, Reuters said.
The health authority also said it is working with the company to discover the cause of the infections.
Bausch & Lomb stood by its product, saying it was confident a thorough investigation will show that ReNu is not to blame.
There are no known cases of the eye infection in Malaysia, said Bausch & Lomb South East Asia.
The company yesterday suspended sales of the multi-purpose contact lens solution in Hong Kong, after the health authority began looking into a recent spike in the number of eye infections in Singapore.
Reuters news agency today reported the company would not suspend sales in other markets where there have been no cases of fungal keratitis.
On Tuesday, Singapore’s Health Ministry "strongly advised" contact lens wearers to stop using the Bausch & Lomb product as a precaution until it completed investigations.
The island has seen 39 cases since 2005 with an unusual number last month. Thirty-four of these 39 cases said that they had used a ReNu multipurpose solution by B&L, it said. Three of them had to undergo urgent cornea transplants, Reuters said.
The health authority also said it is working with the company to discover the cause of the infections.
Bausch & Lomb stood by its product, saying it was confident a thorough investigation will show that ReNu is not to blame.
There are no known cases of the eye infection in Malaysia, said Bausch & Lomb South East Asia.
Second phase of ops starts today
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The second phase of the operation to trace chickens, ducks and other birds within the 10km radius of the bird-flu hit area here will start today.
Acting Veterinary Department director-general Datuk Dr Mustapa Jalil said officers from his department, the Health Ministry, police, City Hall and final-year veterinary students from Universiti Putra Malaysia would carry out medical tests on birds found in the area.
The areas include Setapak, Pudu, Hulu Klang and Kepong.
“The culling operation of chickens, ducks and birds within a 1km radius is still going on,” he told reporters at the department headquarters last night.
“This will be followed by surveillance within the 10km radius, which will start tomorrow (today) and go on until Sunday.
“The operation will involve conducting close observation of birds in the area, doing clinical tests and taking swap samples of the birds.”
Acting Veterinary Department director-general Datuk Dr Mustapa Jalil said officers from his department, the Health Ministry, police, City Hall and final-year veterinary students from Universiti Putra Malaysia would carry out medical tests on birds found in the area.
The areas include Setapak, Pudu, Hulu Klang and Kepong.
“The culling operation of chickens, ducks and birds within a 1km radius is still going on,” he told reporters at the department headquarters last night.
“This will be followed by surveillance within the 10km radius, which will start tomorrow (today) and go on until Sunday.
“The operation will involve conducting close observation of birds in the area, doing clinical tests and taking swap samples of the birds.”
Health workers to get Tamiflu
Star: KUCHING: Sarawak is spending RM200,000 to buy Tamiflu for its health workers and to prepare for any outbreak, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.
The stock would only be enough for 500 workers, he said, adding that the medicine was not easily available.
Dr Chan, also state Minister for Agriculture Modernisation, said police and army personnel were educating villagers living along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border on the risks of smuggling in fighting cocks and poultry.
As fighting cocks are prized birds, there are people who would use all means to smuggle them in from Indonesia, he told reporters after attending the state Cabinet meeting here yesterday.
Dr Chan said the state had imposed a total ban on the import of poultry from the peninsula.
The stock would only be enough for 500 workers, he said, adding that the medicine was not easily available.
Dr Chan, also state Minister for Agriculture Modernisation, said police and army personnel were educating villagers living along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border on the risks of smuggling in fighting cocks and poultry.
As fighting cocks are prized birds, there are people who would use all means to smuggle them in from Indonesia, he told reporters after attending the state Cabinet meeting here yesterday.
Dr Chan said the state had imposed a total ban on the import of poultry from the peninsula.
Residents voluntarily surrender chickens
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians feel better being safe than sorry.
This was evident at the bird flu affected areas in Setapak where residents voluntarily “surrendered” their chickens for culling.
When a team from the Veterinary Services Department and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall arrived at Taman Ibu Kota, residents were seen approaching the officers to tell them that they kept chickens.
Kamaruddin Mohd Yunus said he had to part with his 11 chickens.
“My two daughters cried last night when I told them I had to give up the birds to protect the family from bird flu,” said the 49-year-old contractor, who kept his chickens in his backyard.
“My daughters, aged 11 and 14, treat the chickens as pets,” he said.
The family watched as the team went into the house compound to catch the chickens.
A rooster, however, escaped.
Kamaruddin promised to call the department when the rooster returned.
His neighbour, known only as Wan Aminnunddi, asked the team to catch a hen that called at his house.
“It often rests and lays eggs in my house compound,” said the 45-year-old businessman.
“I was very worried when I heard about the avian flu. I do not want to risk my life by allowing the hen to stay,” he said.
The hen was “not in” when the team went to his house but the eggs were taken away.
The team also received a complaint from a resident at Taman Danau Kota about Indonesians keeping chickens at a construction site there.
However, the team found out that the Indonesians had already destroyed the chickens.
At Wardieburn Camp, the team found a bird park with four peacocks, each worth RM30,000, four chickens and three pigeons.
However, the team could not take action because the owner of the park was not at home.
This was evident at the bird flu affected areas in Setapak where residents voluntarily “surrendered” their chickens for culling.
When a team from the Veterinary Services Department and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall arrived at Taman Ibu Kota, residents were seen approaching the officers to tell them that they kept chickens.
Kamaruddin Mohd Yunus said he had to part with his 11 chickens.
“My two daughters cried last night when I told them I had to give up the birds to protect the family from bird flu,” said the 49-year-old contractor, who kept his chickens in his backyard.
“My daughters, aged 11 and 14, treat the chickens as pets,” he said.
The family watched as the team went into the house compound to catch the chickens.
A rooster, however, escaped.
Kamaruddin promised to call the department when the rooster returned.
His neighbour, known only as Wan Aminnunddi, asked the team to catch a hen that called at his house.
“It often rests and lays eggs in my house compound,” said the 45-year-old businessman.
“I was very worried when I heard about the avian flu. I do not want to risk my life by allowing the hen to stay,” he said.
The hen was “not in” when the team went to his house but the eggs were taken away.
The team also received a complaint from a resident at Taman Danau Kota about Indonesians keeping chickens at a construction site there.
However, the team found out that the Indonesians had already destroyed the chickens.
At Wardieburn Camp, the team found a bird park with four peacocks, each worth RM30,000, four chickens and three pigeons.
However, the team could not take action because the owner of the park was not at home.
PM: We can fight bird flu
Star: SEREMBAN: Malaysia is ready with the necessary mechanisms to fight bird flu, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“The Health Ministry and relevant departments are monitoring the situation carefully and we have the necessary mechanisms to put into action if there are any problems,” he told reporters after presenting cheques to Felda Sendayan settlers here.
“It involves a few ministries and we will take whatever necessary action as needed.
“This includes getting information from our neighbouring countries on what can be implemented to solve the problem. There needs to be information.”
In KUALA LUMPUR, only four people, including two latest cases, remained under observation at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said one of them showed no signs of having contracted the flu while a two-year-old child was placed in the isolation ward.
He said the two latest cases were taken to the hospital to undergo tests.
“They will be discharged tomorrow (Friday) if they test negative for the avian flu,” he told reporters after opening the healthcare conference on diabetes management.
“There is no case of the avian flu affecting people in Malaysia. We only have confirmed avian flu cases among chickens.”
Veterinary Services Department acting director-general Datuk Dr Mustapa Jalil said strict surveillance, checking of premises and the culling exercise were continuing.
“As of today (yesterday), 1,970 chickens, 62 ducks, 72 birds and 505 eggs have been destroyed,” he said in a statement.
Dr Mustapa said surveillance of an area between a 2km and 10km radius of the affected area, which started yesterday, was to ensure that Kuala Lumpur, Ulu Klang, Gombak and its surrounding neighbourhoods were free from avian flu.
“The surveillance is carried out by teams from the department in Selangor,” he said.
“So far, our teams have taken 114 swab samples from 237 birds belonging to 24 residents and three pet shops located in Selayang and Hulu Klang.
“All have tested negative.”
“The Health Ministry and relevant departments are monitoring the situation carefully and we have the necessary mechanisms to put into action if there are any problems,” he told reporters after presenting cheques to Felda Sendayan settlers here.
“It involves a few ministries and we will take whatever necessary action as needed.
“This includes getting information from our neighbouring countries on what can be implemented to solve the problem. There needs to be information.”
In KUALA LUMPUR, only four people, including two latest cases, remained under observation at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, said Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He said one of them showed no signs of having contracted the flu while a two-year-old child was placed in the isolation ward.
He said the two latest cases were taken to the hospital to undergo tests.
“They will be discharged tomorrow (Friday) if they test negative for the avian flu,” he told reporters after opening the healthcare conference on diabetes management.
“There is no case of the avian flu affecting people in Malaysia. We only have confirmed avian flu cases among chickens.”
Veterinary Services Department acting director-general Datuk Dr Mustapa Jalil said strict surveillance, checking of premises and the culling exercise were continuing.
“As of today (yesterday), 1,970 chickens, 62 ducks, 72 birds and 505 eggs have been destroyed,” he said in a statement.
Dr Mustapa said surveillance of an area between a 2km and 10km radius of the affected area, which started yesterday, was to ensure that Kuala Lumpur, Ulu Klang, Gombak and its surrounding neighbourhoods were free from avian flu.
“The surveillance is carried out by teams from the department in Selangor,” he said.
“So far, our teams have taken 114 swab samples from 237 birds belonging to 24 residents and three pet shops located in Selayang and Hulu Klang.
“All have tested negative.”
Tapah R&R Wins Toilet Competition
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- The toilets at the south-bound Tapah Rest and Service Area (R&R), with its open concept and modern design and surrounded by tropical landscape, was chosen the winner in a toilet design competition.
Its management, PLUS Expressway Berhad (PLUS) will receive a RM5,000 prize from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at a function to be held here tomorrow.
The competition, held between Oct 31 and Dec 16 last year, was organised by the Housing and Local Government Ministry with the collaboration of the Works Ministry, the Education Ministry and the Malaysian Architect Association.
A statement issued by PLUS Thursday said more than 11,000 people stopped at the R&R every day.
The rest area has toilet facilities comprising 36 cubicles for women and 32 cubicles for men as well as bathrooms and toilets for the handicapped.
The design of the toilets had brought foreign VIPs, including from India and Bosnia Herzegovina, to the R&R which is at KM331.5.
Its management, PLUS Expressway Berhad (PLUS) will receive a RM5,000 prize from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at a function to be held here tomorrow.
The competition, held between Oct 31 and Dec 16 last year, was organised by the Housing and Local Government Ministry with the collaboration of the Works Ministry, the Education Ministry and the Malaysian Architect Association.
A statement issued by PLUS Thursday said more than 11,000 people stopped at the R&R every day.
The rest area has toilet facilities comprising 36 cubicles for women and 32 cubicles for men as well as bathrooms and toilets for the handicapped.
The design of the toilets had brought foreign VIPs, including from India and Bosnia Herzegovina, to the R&R which is at KM331.5.
Large-Scale Operation To Monitor Bird Flu In KL
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- The Veterinary Services Department (JPH), along with the Veterinary Faculty of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and various government agencies, will launch a large-scale operation on Friday to detect any sign of Avian Influenza over an area of 10-km radius spreading out from Jalan Genting-Kelang.
JPH acting Director-General Datuk Dr Mustapa Abd Jalil said the operation was to contain the Avian Influenza H5N1 virus that had killed 40 fowls in the Jalan Genting-Kelang area last Sunday.
Inspections and monitoring for signs of the disease, which can also be fatal for humans, were continuing in areas regarded to be at risk, he said in a statement released here Thursday.
"No signs of the virus spreading have been detected so far. All poultry meat and eggs in the market are safe for consumption. Just follow the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to cook poultry products up to at least 70 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes," he said.
He said that so far 1,970 chickens, 62 ducks, 72 fowls and 505 eggs had been destroyed in a culling exercise over a radius of one kilometre from where the problem surfaced.
He also said that checks conducted on owners of chicken or fowls and pet shops over a radius of three kilometres from Jalan Genting-Kelang, which included Selayang, Batu and Hulu Kelang, had been negative.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had on Wednesday night said that tests conducted on five of seven people admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital to ascertain if they have been infected by the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus proved negative.
A two-year-old boy, reported to be in good health, was still in the hospital while awaiting the test result and another suspected case, a 17-month-old child, had been admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for observation, he had said.
In PENANG, residents were advised to contact the state JPH if they came across unusual deaths among chickens or birds.
Penang JPH Director Dr Mohd Zairi Serlan said they could contact its branches throughout the state or its operations room at 04-508 4363 or 04-508 4369 during office hours.
"Do not act on your own if chickens or fowls suddenly die. Let us handle it," he said when contacted here today.
Mohd Zairi added that all entry points and tourists and foreigners coming into the state were being closely monitored for signs of bird flu and also to prevent attempts to smuggle in birds or fowls.
Meanwhile, state Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee Chairman P. Subbaiyah said that so far no reports of infection by the virus had been received in Penang and that all hospitals there had been placed on full alert.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, the JPH there is studying whether to ban the entry of chicken from Selangor.
Terengganu JPH Director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom said the department had collected 80 blood samples from chickens and birds over two days from Feb 6 and were waiting for the results form the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh. He said operations were in full swing to prevent a possible outbreak in the state.
In KUCHING, Sarawak has imposed a total ban on imports of bird products, including chicken, from Peninsular Malaysia from last Tuesday as part of its preventive measures to avert the spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus to the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the state goverment would review the decision based on the latest developments on the spread of the virus in the peninsula, and may restrict the import of bird products to those coming from areas there were unaffected by the killer disease.
"We are taking extreme caution and watching developments there," he told a news conference Thursday.
Dr Chan, who is also Agriculture Modernisation Minister, said that at the same time the police and army would also strictly monitor movements along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border to prevent the smuggling of birds into the state.
In KANGAR, Perlis residents were asked not to shoot migratory birds for food to avert risk of infection.
State Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Chairman Khairi Hassan said Perlis viewed the developments seriously and was taking all necessary precautionary measures to avert an outbreak in the state.
Speaking to reporters after the presentation of aid by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to 3,000 padi farmers who were affected by the recent floods in Perlis at the Dewan 2020 here today, he said the ban on poultry imports from Thailand imposed three years ago was still in force.
He added that 10 chicken farms in the state operated by individuals and government agencies involving 15,000 birds had been checked so far but no signs of bird flu had been found.
JPH acting Director-General Datuk Dr Mustapa Abd Jalil said the operation was to contain the Avian Influenza H5N1 virus that had killed 40 fowls in the Jalan Genting-Kelang area last Sunday.
Inspections and monitoring for signs of the disease, which can also be fatal for humans, were continuing in areas regarded to be at risk, he said in a statement released here Thursday.
"No signs of the virus spreading have been detected so far. All poultry meat and eggs in the market are safe for consumption. Just follow the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to cook poultry products up to at least 70 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes," he said.
He said that so far 1,970 chickens, 62 ducks, 72 fowls and 505 eggs had been destroyed in a culling exercise over a radius of one kilometre from where the problem surfaced.
He also said that checks conducted on owners of chicken or fowls and pet shops over a radius of three kilometres from Jalan Genting-Kelang, which included Selayang, Batu and Hulu Kelang, had been negative.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had on Wednesday night said that tests conducted on five of seven people admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital to ascertain if they have been infected by the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus proved negative.
A two-year-old boy, reported to be in good health, was still in the hospital while awaiting the test result and another suspected case, a 17-month-old child, had been admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for observation, he had said.
In PENANG, residents were advised to contact the state JPH if they came across unusual deaths among chickens or birds.
Penang JPH Director Dr Mohd Zairi Serlan said they could contact its branches throughout the state or its operations room at 04-508 4363 or 04-508 4369 during office hours.
"Do not act on your own if chickens or fowls suddenly die. Let us handle it," he said when contacted here today.
Mohd Zairi added that all entry points and tourists and foreigners coming into the state were being closely monitored for signs of bird flu and also to prevent attempts to smuggle in birds or fowls.
Meanwhile, state Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee Chairman P. Subbaiyah said that so far no reports of infection by the virus had been received in Penang and that all hospitals there had been placed on full alert.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, the JPH there is studying whether to ban the entry of chicken from Selangor.
Terengganu JPH Director Dr Azizol Mohd Sharom said the department had collected 80 blood samples from chickens and birds over two days from Feb 6 and were waiting for the results form the Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh. He said operations were in full swing to prevent a possible outbreak in the state.
In KUCHING, Sarawak has imposed a total ban on imports of bird products, including chicken, from Peninsular Malaysia from last Tuesday as part of its preventive measures to avert the spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus to the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the state goverment would review the decision based on the latest developments on the spread of the virus in the peninsula, and may restrict the import of bird products to those coming from areas there were unaffected by the killer disease.
"We are taking extreme caution and watching developments there," he told a news conference Thursday.
Dr Chan, who is also Agriculture Modernisation Minister, said that at the same time the police and army would also strictly monitor movements along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border to prevent the smuggling of birds into the state.
In KANGAR, Perlis residents were asked not to shoot migratory birds for food to avert risk of infection.
State Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Chairman Khairi Hassan said Perlis viewed the developments seriously and was taking all necessary precautionary measures to avert an outbreak in the state.
Speaking to reporters after the presentation of aid by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to 3,000 padi farmers who were affected by the recent floods in Perlis at the Dewan 2020 here today, he said the ban on poultry imports from Thailand imposed three years ago was still in force.
He added that 10 chicken farms in the state operated by individuals and government agencies involving 15,000 birds had been checked so far but no signs of bird flu had been found.
Two More Admitted To HKL For Avian Influenza Tests, Says Chua
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Two more people from Jalan Genting Klang in Gombak where the bird flu has surfaced were admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) Thursday to undergo tests to determine if they had been infected by the deadly H5N1 virus.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, in announcing this latest development, said the two were a 49-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy.
"They have been placed in the isolation ward for observation," he told reporters after launching Nestle's latest health product, Nutren Balance Bar, here.
Dr Chua said that of the seven cases referred to HKL earlier, one had been allowed to return home Wednesday, four were discharged Thursday while one other person had been transferred to the normal ward after tests found he did not display any H5N1 symptoms.
"Overall, only four people remain at the isolation ward in HKL, the two who were admitted Thursday, a two year-old boy (admitted on Tuesday) and a 17-month-old toddler admitted Wednesday," said Dr Chua.
He said bird flu screening continued to be carried out by the Federal Territory and City Hall health departments.
So far 226 households involving 1,149 people at the JPJ and Danau Kota longhousing complexes had been screened, he said.
"Screening activities will continue for at least another week to ensure that these places are completely safe from the H5N1 virus," he said.
Dr Chua also stressed that there had been no human cases so far and that only fowls had been involved.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong said that a total of 2,227 chickens, 122 ducks, 102 birds and 516 eggs had been destroyed since Sunday night following the outbreak.
He said that all fowls within a one kilometre radius of the affected area in Jalan Genting-Klang would be culled by Sunday.
"I call on the villagers to help us reach our target by Sunday," he told reporters during his visit to Kampung Pasir Wardieburn, one of the four areas along Jalan Genting-Klang being monitored by the ministry for birds and fowls infected by the Avian Influenza virus.
He warned that the ministry would take action against anyone who smuggled out fowls or other birds from the affected areas.
Mah was earlier briefed on the monitoring and culling of fowls in the area by officers from City Hall's Health Department and the Veterinary Services Department (JPH).
A check by Bernama in Kampung Pasir Wardieburn found yet-to-be-caught chickens and even fighting cockerels roaming about.
City Hall's Health Department and JPH personnel also carried out inspections at Kampung Sri Kelantan and the Wardieburn Army Camp here.
A visit to the army camp found that it was home to three peacocks and four "serama" chickens, all kept in a large cage.
The camp's spokesman confirmed that City Hall and JPH had inspected the area earlier Thursday but said that since the birds were always confined in the cage they were not at risk.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, in announcing this latest development, said the two were a 49-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy.
"They have been placed in the isolation ward for observation," he told reporters after launching Nestle's latest health product, Nutren Balance Bar, here.
Dr Chua said that of the seven cases referred to HKL earlier, one had been allowed to return home Wednesday, four were discharged Thursday while one other person had been transferred to the normal ward after tests found he did not display any H5N1 symptoms.
"Overall, only four people remain at the isolation ward in HKL, the two who were admitted Thursday, a two year-old boy (admitted on Tuesday) and a 17-month-old toddler admitted Wednesday," said Dr Chua.
He said bird flu screening continued to be carried out by the Federal Territory and City Hall health departments.
So far 226 households involving 1,149 people at the JPJ and Danau Kota longhousing complexes had been screened, he said.
"Screening activities will continue for at least another week to ensure that these places are completely safe from the H5N1 virus," he said.
Dr Chua also stressed that there had been no human cases so far and that only fowls had been involved.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong said that a total of 2,227 chickens, 122 ducks, 102 birds and 516 eggs had been destroyed since Sunday night following the outbreak.
He said that all fowls within a one kilometre radius of the affected area in Jalan Genting-Klang would be culled by Sunday.
"I call on the villagers to help us reach our target by Sunday," he told reporters during his visit to Kampung Pasir Wardieburn, one of the four areas along Jalan Genting-Klang being monitored by the ministry for birds and fowls infected by the Avian Influenza virus.
He warned that the ministry would take action against anyone who smuggled out fowls or other birds from the affected areas.
Mah was earlier briefed on the monitoring and culling of fowls in the area by officers from City Hall's Health Department and the Veterinary Services Department (JPH).
A check by Bernama in Kampung Pasir Wardieburn found yet-to-be-caught chickens and even fighting cockerels roaming about.
City Hall's Health Department and JPH personnel also carried out inspections at Kampung Sri Kelantan and the Wardieburn Army Camp here.
A visit to the army camp found that it was home to three peacocks and four "serama" chickens, all kept in a large cage.
The camp's spokesman confirmed that City Hall and JPH had inspected the area earlier Thursday but said that since the birds were always confined in the cage they were not at risk.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Tests On Five People For Bird Flu Virus Prove Negative, Says Dr Chua
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Tests conducted on five of the seven people admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital to ascertain if they have been infected by the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus proved negative, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said Wednesday night.
He said the test results made available tonight showed the five people did not have any symptoms of being infected with the killer disease.
"All of them did not have fever. They may be discharged tomorrow," he said when speaking at his ministry's media award night.
However, the test results on two others, a two-year-old child and a seven-month-old baby, are not known. Nevertheless, they are reported to be in good health.
Dr Chua also said another suspected case, an 18-month-old child, has been admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for observation.
He said the test results made available tonight showed the five people did not have any symptoms of being infected with the killer disease.
"All of them did not have fever. They may be discharged tomorrow," he said when speaking at his ministry's media award night.
However, the test results on two others, a two-year-old child and a seven-month-old baby, are not known. Nevertheless, they are reported to be in good health.
Dr Chua also said another suspected case, an 18-month-old child, has been admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for observation.
836 Chickens, Ducks, Birds Culled In Bird Flu-Hit Areas
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- A total of 724 chickens, 58 ducks, 54 birds and 455 eggs have been destroyed since Sunday night after 40 chickens around Jalan Genting Klang in Setapak died of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus.
Veterinary Services Department Acting Director-General Datuk Dr Mustapa Abdul Jalil said the culling operation was carried out within a 1km radius of Kampung Pasir Wardieburn.
It covered Taman Danau Kota, Pekan Danau Kota and the longhouses behind the Road Transport Department complex, he said.
Personnel from his department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the police were involved in the operation, he told reporters Wednesday.
Dr Mustapa said seven teams from the Selangor Veterinary Services Department were deployed Tuesday for surveillance and inspections in Gombak.
Besides visiting 38 premises rearing chickens and examining 824 fowls, 139 swab samples were also taken, he said.
He said the operation would be expanded in stages tomorrow to cover a 10km radius from Kampung Pasir Wardieburn up to Setapak in the north, Pudu in the south, Hulu Kelang in the east and Kepong in the west, he said.
The one-week large-scale surveillance would involve Veterinary Services Department staff nationwide, Universiti Putra Malaysia veterinary students and employees of various government agencies, he said.
All poultry farms in the country would be monitored closely though no bird flu virus had been detected there, he added.
The public can obtain information on bird flu by contacting 03-88702041 or 03-88702042 from 8am to 9pm daily.
Veterinary Services Department Acting Director-General Datuk Dr Mustapa Abdul Jalil said the culling operation was carried out within a 1km radius of Kampung Pasir Wardieburn.
It covered Taman Danau Kota, Pekan Danau Kota and the longhouses behind the Road Transport Department complex, he said.
Personnel from his department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the police were involved in the operation, he told reporters Wednesday.
Dr Mustapa said seven teams from the Selangor Veterinary Services Department were deployed Tuesday for surveillance and inspections in Gombak.
Besides visiting 38 premises rearing chickens and examining 824 fowls, 139 swab samples were also taken, he said.
He said the operation would be expanded in stages tomorrow to cover a 10km radius from Kampung Pasir Wardieburn up to Setapak in the north, Pudu in the south, Hulu Kelang in the east and Kepong in the west, he said.
The one-week large-scale surveillance would involve Veterinary Services Department staff nationwide, Universiti Putra Malaysia veterinary students and employees of various government agencies, he said.
All poultry farms in the country would be monitored closely though no bird flu virus had been detected there, he added.
The public can obtain information on bird flu by contacting 03-88702041 or 03-88702042 from 8am to 9pm daily.
MEDICAL REPORT FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVERS: Online reporting delayed
NST: Negotiations over cost are delaying the Road Transport Department’s plans to use a single company’s online system to handle medical reports for commercial drivers.
The system, developed by the company Pantai Supreme Systems, was to have been launched in September, but its proposed charges have met with objections from doctors and members of the transport industry.
The proposed fee could be as much as double what most doctors charge now for a medical examination of a commercial driver, they said.
Commercial drivers are required to pass medical examinations every year for their driving licences to be renewed. Those who are unfit or who do not want to be examined may submit medical reports whose authenticity are difficult to check.
The online system will allow clinics around the country to forward medical reports directly to the RTD. The concession for implementation of the system was awarded to Pantai Supreme last year.
"We are still in the final stages of discussion with RTD and the Malaysian Medical Association on the costing and the date to implement the system," said Pantai Supreme director Datuk Nordin Yahya.
Nordin declined to say how much the company would charge, saying he would leave the decision to the Malaysian Medical Association.
Pantai Supreme is owned by private healthcare group Pantai Holdings Bhd, which bought a 51 per cent stake in the company last year.
The MMA today said Pantai Supreme was planning to charge RM85 for the use of its online system to submit a medical report to the RTD. The cost includes a fixed RM35 fee for an examination by doctors on its panel, said MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin.
He said the plan would mean "higher costs for clients and the community". "We appeal to the minister to urgently review the terms of the award" to the concessionaire, he said in a statement today.
He also said the association opposed the fixed RM35 fee the company would pay doctors for medical examinations.
Pantai Supreme had advertised for doctors to join its panel last year.
Teoh also said the MMA was looking into other matters, such as screening methods and the reporting structure of the on-line system.
The MMA will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Pantai Supreme Systems once all the issues had been ironed out, he said.
Checking the authenticity of medical reports was a problem for the RTD, said Dr J.S. Deo, chairman of the Malaysian Doctors’ Co-operative Society Ltd. "In many cases, forging a medical report is as easy as replicating a rubber stamp," he explained.
Still, he criticised the award of the concession to one company. "It will have a virtual monopoly in the country."
He estimated that most clinics charged an average of RM30 for a check-up.
He stressed that Pantai Supreme could net more than RM30 million in profit from fees it would receive from Malaysia’s 900,000 commercial drivers who must renew their licences every year.
Another medical association, Primary Care Doctors Organisation Malaysia, also criticised the award, saying that it had developed a cheaper alternative with money from a government grant.
Produced on a RM1 million grant from the Science and Technology Ministry, its Primary Care system would cost much less to use.
"It could cost as little as RM1 to relay medical report from a clinic to the RTD," said the organisation president Dr Molly Cheah who was part of a team of 50 doctors who helped develop the system.
Pan Malaysia Lorry Operators Association president Er Sui See said medical exams conducted by companies’ own panel doctors can cost as little as RM5 to RM10.
"Once this system is introduced, doctors will have to be on (Pantai Supreme’s) panel. A standard fee will be charged and it is unlikely that it will be cheap," he said.
Er said RTD needed to audit the renewal process and make random checks. "RTD could always ask the doctor to fax a copy to them to verify."
Pan Malaysian Bus Operators’ Association president Datuk Mohd Ashfar Ali said it would oppose any move that would cause costs to exceed RM30. "We support the effort to make medical check-ups for drivers rigorous and tamper-proof. But charging an exorbitant price like RM85 would be simply ridiculous."
RTD director-general Datuk Emran Kadir declined to comment on Pantai Supreme’s fees.
The system, developed by the company Pantai Supreme Systems, was to have been launched in September, but its proposed charges have met with objections from doctors and members of the transport industry.
The proposed fee could be as much as double what most doctors charge now for a medical examination of a commercial driver, they said.
Commercial drivers are required to pass medical examinations every year for their driving licences to be renewed. Those who are unfit or who do not want to be examined may submit medical reports whose authenticity are difficult to check.
The online system will allow clinics around the country to forward medical reports directly to the RTD. The concession for implementation of the system was awarded to Pantai Supreme last year.
"We are still in the final stages of discussion with RTD and the Malaysian Medical Association on the costing and the date to implement the system," said Pantai Supreme director Datuk Nordin Yahya.
Nordin declined to say how much the company would charge, saying he would leave the decision to the Malaysian Medical Association.
Pantai Supreme is owned by private healthcare group Pantai Holdings Bhd, which bought a 51 per cent stake in the company last year.
The MMA today said Pantai Supreme was planning to charge RM85 for the use of its online system to submit a medical report to the RTD. The cost includes a fixed RM35 fee for an examination by doctors on its panel, said MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin.
He said the plan would mean "higher costs for clients and the community". "We appeal to the minister to urgently review the terms of the award" to the concessionaire, he said in a statement today.
He also said the association opposed the fixed RM35 fee the company would pay doctors for medical examinations.
Pantai Supreme had advertised for doctors to join its panel last year.
Teoh also said the MMA was looking into other matters, such as screening methods and the reporting structure of the on-line system.
The MMA will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Pantai Supreme Systems once all the issues had been ironed out, he said.
Checking the authenticity of medical reports was a problem for the RTD, said Dr J.S. Deo, chairman of the Malaysian Doctors’ Co-operative Society Ltd. "In many cases, forging a medical report is as easy as replicating a rubber stamp," he explained.
Still, he criticised the award of the concession to one company. "It will have a virtual monopoly in the country."
He estimated that most clinics charged an average of RM30 for a check-up.
He stressed that Pantai Supreme could net more than RM30 million in profit from fees it would receive from Malaysia’s 900,000 commercial drivers who must renew their licences every year.
Another medical association, Primary Care Doctors Organisation Malaysia, also criticised the award, saying that it had developed a cheaper alternative with money from a government grant.
Produced on a RM1 million grant from the Science and Technology Ministry, its Primary Care system would cost much less to use.
"It could cost as little as RM1 to relay medical report from a clinic to the RTD," said the organisation president Dr Molly Cheah who was part of a team of 50 doctors who helped develop the system.
Pan Malaysia Lorry Operators Association president Er Sui See said medical exams conducted by companies’ own panel doctors can cost as little as RM5 to RM10.
"Once this system is introduced, doctors will have to be on (Pantai Supreme’s) panel. A standard fee will be charged and it is unlikely that it will be cheap," he said.
Er said RTD needed to audit the renewal process and make random checks. "RTD could always ask the doctor to fax a copy to them to verify."
Pan Malaysian Bus Operators’ Association president Datuk Mohd Ashfar Ali said it would oppose any move that would cause costs to exceed RM30. "We support the effort to make medical check-ups for drivers rigorous and tamper-proof. But charging an exorbitant price like RM85 would be simply ridiculous."
RTD director-general Datuk Emran Kadir declined to comment on Pantai Supreme’s fees.
AIDS awareness crucial
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Although social discrimination against AIDS is difficult to change, efforts by large organisations can help eliminate stigmatisation facing the HIV-positive, said Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) chairman Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman.
“After 20 years of this AIDS epidemic most people are still ignorant, and you'd be surprised how little they know,” she said at a cheque-giving ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel here yesterday.
Dr Adeeba received a RM42,656 donation from the Hope Campaign launched in four Renaissance hotels last October.
The funds were raised through sales of MAF merchandise and collections in donation boxes.
The funds will be channelled to the Circle of Hope Funds that finances the Paediatric AIDS Scheme, the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Drug Assistance Scheme and PLWHA Business Assistance Scheme.
Under the PLWHA Business Assistance Scheme, people living with AIDS will be given RM1,000 to start a small business as a way to support themselves.
“We have the financial support for our programme, however what is also important is the awareness that is generated through this fund-raising programme organised by Renaissance Hotels and Resorts in Malaysia,” she stressed.
To generate a keener awareness in society of the AIDS epidemic, Dr Adeeba said two things had to be addressed to ensure success.
“The first is to generate general awareness via the print media and TV.
“The second is to identify high-risk groups like those in the sex industry. We have to identify the groups to use different messages to communicate effectively with them,” she said
Also present at the ceremony were general managers Robert Frager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur, Phillip Chee of Renaissance Kota Baru, George Varughese of Renaissance Malacca, Boyd Barker of Miri Marriott & Spa and Rajkumar Balamanickam of MAF.
“After 20 years of this AIDS epidemic most people are still ignorant, and you'd be surprised how little they know,” she said at a cheque-giving ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel here yesterday.
Dr Adeeba received a RM42,656 donation from the Hope Campaign launched in four Renaissance hotels last October.
The funds were raised through sales of MAF merchandise and collections in donation boxes.
The funds will be channelled to the Circle of Hope Funds that finances the Paediatric AIDS Scheme, the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Drug Assistance Scheme and PLWHA Business Assistance Scheme.
Under the PLWHA Business Assistance Scheme, people living with AIDS will be given RM1,000 to start a small business as a way to support themselves.
“We have the financial support for our programme, however what is also important is the awareness that is generated through this fund-raising programme organised by Renaissance Hotels and Resorts in Malaysia,” she stressed.
To generate a keener awareness in society of the AIDS epidemic, Dr Adeeba said two things had to be addressed to ensure success.
“The first is to generate general awareness via the print media and TV.
“The second is to identify high-risk groups like those in the sex industry. We have to identify the groups to use different messages to communicate effectively with them,” she said
Also present at the ceremony were general managers Robert Frager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur, Phillip Chee of Renaissance Kota Baru, George Varughese of Renaissance Malacca, Boyd Barker of Miri Marriott & Spa and Rajkumar Balamanickam of MAF.
Eight warded as precaution
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Eight people, including six children, have been warded at Kuala Lumpur Hospital since Tuesday for symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection following the outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian flu in Jalan Genting Klang.
All were from different households within the area where the outbreak occurred and all had been exposed to sick chickens. They are aged from two months to 57 years.
Three other people earlier warded for observation have been discharged.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said among those warded was a seven-month baby who showed no signs of having contracted the flu and was allowed to return home yesterday.
He said five others, who tested negative of the H5N1 virus, would be discharged today while results of the seventh patient was pending.
He also said a 17-month-old toddler was placed under observation yesterday and the results of the test would be known today.
“I want to stress that these patients are not yet confirmed cases and are warded as a precautionary measure,” he told reporters here yesterday.
“We have already sent samples to the Institute for Medical Research for tests and the results will be known tomorrow (today).
“They have been put in separate wards specially for bird flu patients. So far, our 11 teams of ministry staff have conducted door-to-door searches of 161 houses comprising 916 residents within the affected area.
“The door-to-door search for those with flu symptoms will continue for seven days.”
Dr Chua said the ministry had also decided to extend its surveillance to residents living outside the immediate 300m radius.
“We will have a 14-day public campaign to encourage those who feel sick or feverish to go for further check-ups at Kuala Lumpur Hospital or other designated hospitals,” he said, adding that so far there was still no need to quarantine residents in the affected area.
The National Operations Room for avian flu had also been activated and those feeling sick or needing more information could call the hotline at 03-8888 6212, he said.
However, he reminded the public that the country was still at “level one” alert as there had been no confirmed cases of avian flu among humans.
“We have not sought any advice from the World Health Organisation as we feel that it’s an isolated incident and we are capable of handling it,” he said.
The ministry had decided that only Dr Chua, health director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Ismail Merican and its disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat would be allowed to give the media details of any avian flu cases.
Yesterday, the Health and Veterinary Services Departments continued to cull and carry out door-to-door checks on the four villages.
All were from different households within the area where the outbreak occurred and all had been exposed to sick chickens. They are aged from two months to 57 years.
Three other people earlier warded for observation have been discharged.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said among those warded was a seven-month baby who showed no signs of having contracted the flu and was allowed to return home yesterday.
He said five others, who tested negative of the H5N1 virus, would be discharged today while results of the seventh patient was pending.
He also said a 17-month-old toddler was placed under observation yesterday and the results of the test would be known today.
“I want to stress that these patients are not yet confirmed cases and are warded as a precautionary measure,” he told reporters here yesterday.
“We have already sent samples to the Institute for Medical Research for tests and the results will be known tomorrow (today).
“They have been put in separate wards specially for bird flu patients. So far, our 11 teams of ministry staff have conducted door-to-door searches of 161 houses comprising 916 residents within the affected area.
“The door-to-door search for those with flu symptoms will continue for seven days.”
Dr Chua said the ministry had also decided to extend its surveillance to residents living outside the immediate 300m radius.
“We will have a 14-day public campaign to encourage those who feel sick or feverish to go for further check-ups at Kuala Lumpur Hospital or other designated hospitals,” he said, adding that so far there was still no need to quarantine residents in the affected area.
The National Operations Room for avian flu had also been activated and those feeling sick or needing more information could call the hotline at 03-8888 6212, he said.
However, he reminded the public that the country was still at “level one” alert as there had been no confirmed cases of avian flu among humans.
“We have not sought any advice from the World Health Organisation as we feel that it’s an isolated incident and we are capable of handling it,” he said.
The ministry had decided that only Dr Chua, health director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Ismail Merican and its disease control division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat would be allowed to give the media details of any avian flu cases.
Yesterday, the Health and Veterinary Services Departments continued to cull and carry out door-to-door checks on the four villages.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Seven People Warded At KL Hospital For Bird-flu Tests
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Seven people showing signs of upper respiratory tract infections from the bird-flu hit area in Jalan Genting Klang, Kuala Lumpur, have been warded at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital and are undergoing tests to ascertain whether they have been infected by the deadly H5N1 virus.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the results of the tests conducted on the two adults and five children aged between two months to 12 years would be known by tomorrow morning at the latest.
"We have sent 11 teams to the area and so far they have checked 161 houses and interviewed or screened 916 residents there," he told a news conference here Wednesday.
The minister said initially 10 people complained of having a fever, sore throat or coughs but after being referred to the hospital, three of them were later found to be fine and sent home.
Forty free range chickens from villages in the area had died of the H5N1 virus and intensive house-to-house screenings have started within a 300m radius of the area. The villages are Kampung Wirajaya, Kampung Pasir Wardieburn, Kampung Danau Kota and Kampung Belakang JPJ.
The seven admitted to the KLH comprises three Malays and four Indians, he said, adding that the two adults were aged 52 and 57-years old.
"I want to stress that they are not confirmed avian influenza cases," he said in cautioning the media not to misreport on the situation or seek to take photographs or interview them at the hospital.
He said active surveillance within the 300m radius of the affected area would last for seven days while passive surveillance was being conducted in areas beyond that boundary and this would go on for two weeks.
The latter, he said, involved educating residents to go for health checks if they experienced fever, sore throat or coughing and surrender their chickens, ducks or other birds to the Veterinary Services Department.
To a question, Dr Chua said that no quarantine order had been issued so far.
The minister said he did not yet have information on the exact number of houses within the 300m radius.
"We will cover all of them but better still, if residents have flu-like symptoms, they should report it to the authorities," he said, adding that an operation room in the affected area had been jointly set up by the ministry and the Veterinary Services Department.
Saying that the seven residents had been put in a special ward, Dr Chua noted that the KLH was ready to handle bird-flu cases, if any.
In addition, he said, the Institute of Medical Research had been directed to be on the ready to receive clinical samples for tests.
To a question, he said that Malaysia was prepared to handle the bird flu disease and that it had not asked for outside help so far.
A national operation centre has been activated and it can be reached at 03-88886212/6213.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the results of the tests conducted on the two adults and five children aged between two months to 12 years would be known by tomorrow morning at the latest.
"We have sent 11 teams to the area and so far they have checked 161 houses and interviewed or screened 916 residents there," he told a news conference here Wednesday.
The minister said initially 10 people complained of having a fever, sore throat or coughs but after being referred to the hospital, three of them were later found to be fine and sent home.
Forty free range chickens from villages in the area had died of the H5N1 virus and intensive house-to-house screenings have started within a 300m radius of the area. The villages are Kampung Wirajaya, Kampung Pasir Wardieburn, Kampung Danau Kota and Kampung Belakang JPJ.
The seven admitted to the KLH comprises three Malays and four Indians, he said, adding that the two adults were aged 52 and 57-years old.
"I want to stress that they are not confirmed avian influenza cases," he said in cautioning the media not to misreport on the situation or seek to take photographs or interview them at the hospital.
He said active surveillance within the 300m radius of the affected area would last for seven days while passive surveillance was being conducted in areas beyond that boundary and this would go on for two weeks.
The latter, he said, involved educating residents to go for health checks if they experienced fever, sore throat or coughing and surrender their chickens, ducks or other birds to the Veterinary Services Department.
To a question, Dr Chua said that no quarantine order had been issued so far.
The minister said he did not yet have information on the exact number of houses within the 300m radius.
"We will cover all of them but better still, if residents have flu-like symptoms, they should report it to the authorities," he said, adding that an operation room in the affected area had been jointly set up by the ministry and the Veterinary Services Department.
Saying that the seven residents had been put in a special ward, Dr Chua noted that the KLH was ready to handle bird-flu cases, if any.
In addition, he said, the Institute of Medical Research had been directed to be on the ready to receive clinical samples for tests.
To a question, he said that Malaysia was prepared to handle the bird flu disease and that it had not asked for outside help so far.
A national operation centre has been activated and it can be reached at 03-88886212/6213.
MAKNA Giving RM200,000 Grant To Study Cooking Methods
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Feb (Bernama) -- The National Cancer Council (MAKNA) will provide a RM200,000 grant to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)'s food technology researchers to study cooking methods that can reduce the risk of cancer.
MAKNA president Datuk Mohamed Farid Ariffin said the study would begin this year and was expected to be completed in two years.
"In western countries, there are studies that show that open grilling can cause cancer but we don't know the Malaysian method.
"Maybe there are ways of cooking that will cause cancer. We don't know yet. So, a study will be carried out," he told reporters after the presentation of Makna Cancer Research Awards worth between RM30,000 and RM40,000 each to three local researchers at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
The recipients are Dr Yap Toke Yeow and Masriana Hassan from UPM and Dr Mohamed Zulkefeli Mat Jusoh from Universiti Teknologi Mara. They were selected from 27 applicants.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha gave out the awards.
MAKNA president Datuk Mohamed Farid Ariffin said the study would begin this year and was expected to be completed in two years.
"In western countries, there are studies that show that open grilling can cause cancer but we don't know the Malaysian method.
"Maybe there are ways of cooking that will cause cancer. We don't know yet. So, a study will be carried out," he told reporters after the presentation of Makna Cancer Research Awards worth between RM30,000 and RM40,000 each to three local researchers at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
The recipients are Dr Yap Toke Yeow and Masriana Hassan from UPM and Dr Mohamed Zulkefeli Mat Jusoh from Universiti Teknologi Mara. They were selected from 27 applicants.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha gave out the awards.
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