No H5N1 transmission to humans yet

PUTRAJAYA: The government has not detected any avian flu cases among humans yet and it is thus far confined to chickens in Kelantan.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Hilmi Yahaya (pix) said, however, that members of the public should take necessary precautions to avoid transmission.
"So far there is no evidence of transmission of the H5N1 virus to humans yet. But, as a precaution, make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly before you eat it," Hilmi told the press today.
He added that the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry is constantly monitoring the situation by testing chickens for the virus.
Kelantan declared a state of emergency when avian flu spread to four districts within a matter of days and the matter is now being handled by the National Security Council.
Meanwhile, Hilmi called on all Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with World Kidney Day celebrations at the Botanical Gardens here.
He said 74% of deaths in government hospitals are from preventable and non-communicable diseases such as high cholestrol, diabetes, heart diseases, and others which can lead to kidney failure.
Hilmi said these can be prevented by simply adopting a more active lifestyle and a healthy diet.
The celebrations also include a 30-man bicycle convoy cycling from Kangar to Putrajaya, a distance of about 633km.
The cyclists made 15 stops at mosques and schools along the way to educate local residents on the importance of healthy kidneys.