Public Should be Vigilant Against Bird Flu

29 Sep 2005, Today

Question

Public Should be Vigilant Against Bird Flu

The avian influenza (bird flu) has been discovered in 10 countries/areas - Laos, Thailand, China, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan and Indonesia - and because the H5N1 virus loves to mutate, the World Health Organization is concerned that it increases the odds for a human disaster. 

As a result, several countries including the United States began to stockpile the flu drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza. 

I visited the bird flu website in Singapore, www.birdflu.gov.sg , and although Tamiflu was mentioned in the document, "Exercise To Test Our Operational Readiness to Deal with A Bird Flu Outbreak", there was no clear indication that any drug was being stockpiled here as part of the operational readiness programme. 

Could someone enlighten us hypochondriacs so we can sleep at night after watching all the broadcasts about this fatal disease? Do we have enough Tamiflu, and if not, what is the alternative drug on hand?

Reply

Reply from MOH 

We refer to the letter by Mr John Lucas in TDY (27 Sep) and his concerns over the availability of Tamiflu in Singapore in case of a pandemic influenza situation. 

As part of the Ministry's pandemic influenza preparedness plans, we have stockpiled Oseltamivir or Tamiflu, an anti-influenza drug. We have sufficient doses of the drug for frontline healthcare and other personnel who are potentially more likely to be exposed to the influenza virus. We are continually building up our stock of anti-viral drugs to ensure there are adequate supplies should the need arise. 

So far, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of avian influenza. It is however prudent to be vigilant. The Ministry would like to advise persons travelling to areas affected with avian influenza to take precautionary measures. They should avoid contact with live poultry and birds, and consume only poultry and eggs that have been thoroughly cooked. If they develop influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sorethroat, muscle aches and shortness of breath, they should seek medical help promptly. We advise that they inform their attending doctor of any travel history to affected areas or if they have been exposed to live poultry or birds.