16 July 2009 —The Ministry of Health has been screening returnees and arrivals for New Influenza A (H1N1) at the international exits such as airports and seaports to prevent local transmission of the virus. As part of the plan, respective township Health Departments are sending medical teams to the residences of the travellers.

In one case, a woman, 22, who arrived back by TG 305 flight of Thai Airways on 12 July, was found ill with flu-like symptoms at her home. So, the Township Health Department transferred her to Waibargi Specialist Hospital, and she was admitted in a private room. After giving a medical check-up to her, the National Health Laboratory confirmed her an A (H1N1)-infected person.

Accordingly, the ministry is now keeping her four family members in quarantine, and monitoring their health conditions in the house, and staying in touch with her office for early detection.

Up to now, Myanmar has witnessed four human cases, which are all imported ones. The Ministry of Health is now taking precautionary measures against New Influenza A (H1N1) at the national level in cooperation with other related departments for prevention of local transmission and early detection. It is issuing public warnings about the disease promptly. Responsible persons today again urged the people to participate in the campaign.