H1N1... Malaysia Entering Mitigation Phase

Last count 8 deaths, including a 51-year-old teacher... and countless infections. I've ceased to believe the number given out by the MOE. The situation was never in control... not even since the first day the 'swine' flu landed in Malaysia.

A friend of mine was in one of the flights with the initial infected... she, being dutiful called the Airlines to inform... anyway, they must have lost the flight passenger list or they just couldn't be bothered. When she told them where she was sitting, they told her they are not sure where the infected was sitting... and anyway, they were only going to quarantine those seated within 3 rows of the infected. See the gaps in the info? Not sure but got quarantine. They didn't think she was seated anyway near the patient. And they didn't even check. That's another Malaysia Boleh for you... but in the papers, they tell you everything is under control.

The gahmen was clueless how to handle this thing.... Our newspapers may give glossy reports of how our gahmen is on top of things but most of their reports tak berapa boleh pakai very often. The hands that control the newspapers and the gahmen agencies are also helpless against this unseen tiny virus. Anyway, those hands are too busy trying to hang on to power! Hence, you have the DG of Health (that Merican guy) saying one thing and his political master (that Liow fler) saying another.

Tis a losing battle we're up against...now it's the little wars we're fighting and we've to win these wars! At school, students are reminded to stay at home if they are not well. Well, they are still coming to school. How to contain? Rumour has it that a neighbouring school near mine has a confirmed case... I wonder if they are going to close the school for a week.... Schools are hotbeds for infectious diseases. 30-40 people cramped within 4 walls with poor ventilation due to curtains hanging everywhere, which incidentally are also wiping cloths... another good place for the germs to hang on; close proximity of the institutionalized form and institutionalization by law (7.40 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.)... H1N1 is a lost cause here.

We have entered the mitigation phase which means that the disease can no longer be contained. Resources are now supposed to be channeled towards mini containments and contingency plans. The virus is out in the community, at large. It's no longer confined to small groups which makes containment possible.

In Alor Setar yesterday, one could sense some panic. People are going to see the docs at the slightest feeling of unwell. Read this for the why. Concerns are arising as there seems to be more deaths from this flu worldwide. There is always the worry that the worse is yet to come. This is yet another site for good information. Check it out! Also a good read... this will explain why WHO is concerned about H1N1.. Spanish Flu.

But if any country which might at least contain it somewhat... I think it's our tiny neighbour down south, the land of kiasu and kiasi. Then again, it has also moved into mitigating the disease but they are mitigating it quite successfully. Because of the experience with SARS they are not afraid to be decisive.

So, looks like H1N1 is set to rampage in Malaysia. Take the necessary precautions! Mitigation becomes easier if each one of us play our roles.