Health officials warned of renewed outbreak of H5N1 virus

BANGKOK, Dec 12 -- Health officials throughout Thailand have been alerted to the possibility of a renewed outbreak of H5N1 virus as temperatures in the country continue dropping during the ongoing winter season, said Dr Paichit Varachit, Permanent Secretary for Public Health.

Cold weather is now affecting a number of areas in Thailand, allowing the virus to stay alive in the environment longer, causing people to become easily exposed to viruses, especially the deadly H5N1 virus which could break out again during the ongoing winter season, Dr Paichit said.

Although there have been no new patients diagnosed with H5N1 virus reported during the past four years in the country, risks from the disease persisted on two key factors including from natural birds which could carry the disease along with patients in the Asian region who had died from the disease earlier, he said.

Doctors of public hospitals have been asked to question thoroughly on patients suffering from high fever, cough, headache and diarrhea and if they are suspected of suffering from the bird flu fever, an anti-virus Oseltamivir medicine should be given to them immediately as it could cure the patients within two days after they first catch those illnesses, Dr Paichit said.

The first bird flu patient was found in Thailand in 2004 and the last two years later. According to official statistics, 25 victims had contracted the disease in 18 provinces, but only 17 died.

Dr Paichit said people who have found poultry which died suspiciously should inform health officials or village headmen immediately so that the dead birds could be destroyed. People are also advised not to touch such carcasses with their bare hands or cook them because they could receive the virus. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-12-12

Although there have been no new patients diagnosed with H5N1 virus reported during the past four years in the country, risks from the disease persisted on two key factors including from natural birds which could carry the disease along with patients in the Asian region who had died from the disease earlier, he said.

Wouldn't the dead patients have been cremated already, and would therefore not be a risk in the disease persisting.

And on what evidence has this 'warning' been issued? Or is it that Big Pharma needs another payday at the populace expense?