KUALA LUMPUR: There has been no transmission to humans of the avian flu (H5N1), despite the outbreak of the disease in Kg Pulau Tebu Tunjong, Kota Bharu, Kelantan on Sunday.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that the state health department implemented immediate preventive measures as soon as the outbreak was confirmed last week, and no one has presented with avian flu symptoms.
“Prevention and control activities have been executed based on the Avian Influenza Management Guidelines, 2004 by the Health Ministry.
“Detection activities were conducted in a 300-meters radius of the scene where the chickens died,” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham said a total of 58 homes with 235 locals were checked for the disease, as well as 21 health officers and 45 Veterinary Department officers involved in the operation.
“Out of the total, seven people were experiencing symptoms and were isolated at the nearest hospital.
“Six of them were Veterinary officers who experienced mild symptoms and were admitted to the Tumpat Hospital. (But they are) free of the disease,” he said in a press statement this morning.
Dr Noor Hisham said all of them were discharged the next day and are in good condition.
“One villager was warded at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) on March 8 and is in stable condition.
“Laboratory results for the villager tested negative for H5N1, but positive for Influenza B.
“Thus, there has been no human transmission for H5N1 among the locals,” he added.