By : Annie Freeda Cruez
KUALA LUMPUR: Do not let your guard down against the H5N1 (bird flu) virus.
"H5N1 is more virulent than H1N1 (influenza A). The H5N1 is still circulating and we are getting new cases."
On Monday, a 4-year-old Egyptian girl died after contracting the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus, bringing to 27 the death toll from the virus in the most populous Arab country.
Egypt has been hit harder by bird flu than any other country outside Asia and has seen a surge of cases in recent weeks. Twelve new human infections have been reported since April 1, exceeding the total number of cases for the whole of last year.
It has killed or forced the culling of more than 300 million birds in 61 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
Dr Tieru said the H1N1 outbreak could divert attention from the deadlier H5N1.
"It is still around and we need to be on high alert. If both the viruses combine, it will be a disaster."
He said WHO was also concerned about the seasonal virus which was now emerging in the southern hemisphere.
Dr Tieru said Asia-Pacific countries had a lot of experience in handling the latest flu outbreak because of the severe acute respiratory syndrome and the avian flu.
"Malaysia even experienced the Nipah virus outbreak."
He called on the public to be on alert to protect not only themselves but their family members and friends.
"If they know of anyone who has developed symptoms, they should notify the health authorities.
"This will help to contain the spread of the virus."
hat-tip kiwibird
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