Swine Flu Landed in Malaysia

The swine flu (also known as the Influenza A subtype H1N1) virus was reported to land in Malaysia today. This virus will spread around the air (environmental effect) and will mainly caused by flu. This virus is dangeous incomparison with other diseases such as the JE (Japanese Encephalitis) since it has a greater impact on human. This virus was reported to have killed at least 1 million people in Mexico, in 1918. Further news have reported that this virus has infected around 100 million people in the worldwide since then. The occurence of this virus was once appeared in April 2009 in different countries, including the European countries. I did specify once in my previous post (click HERE to read) of a cure for such virus but not specifically sure if such cure is sufficiently effective.


Caption: the structure of the influenza virus

Anyway, today, the news have reported that the virus has landed in Malaysia. It was confirmed that this is the first case happened in Malaysia, that is a victim who was at age 21 returned from US back to Malaysia. The victim was complaining of fever, sorethroat and discomfort a day ago before diagnosed with such disease. He is now treated in one of the hospital in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia. This virus can intact with other person within 24 hours before the symptoms begin to reveal and seven days when the symptoms arrive. Therefore, I am worrying those people who travelled in the same flight as the influenza A patient who was currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital in Malaysia. The health ministry urges all passengers aboard Malaysia Airlines MH 091 from Newark arriving KLIA at 7.15 a.m. on 13 May (Wednesday) to contact the ministry at 03-88810200/03-88810300. Anyway, Malaysia was pronounced as the 36th country affected by the Influenza A virus in 2009.


Caption: a 2006 report of the influences of influenza in worldwide


Caption: different types of influenza virus since 1918

I will not specifically blame on pigs since it was somehow proven that human has infected pig with such disease in Canada (not pig infecting human, lol). Initially, the govenment in Egypt planned to kill every single pig that exist in the country. But then, something happened and they aborted the plan. Thought it was reported that all possible viruses and / or disease will get killed beyond 160 degree farenheit or equivalent to 70 degree celcius (which means that a cooked pork is fine), I would somehow inform you people to be extra precautious when walking near to pigs. I would also strongly suggest you to leave as far as possible when someone starts coughing and sneezing near you for safety reason. Wearing a protective mask will only reduce the probability of intacting with the virus and not completely prevent from it.

Though this virus were sometimes reported as a fatal disease, however, this is a mild symptom where people were found recovering from it. Anyway, this is important. The Influenza A virus can only survive for 2 hours outside human body. I have read from some medical paper, stating that the Influenza A can be treated with antiviral medications (i.e. tamiflu and relenza) except the disease carrier must be treated within 48 hours. Self-hygene is also important to prevent the virus from spreading to you (i.e. washing your hand before every meal). Also, wash your hand before touching your face for further preventation.