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SMS: H1N1 influenza

Your comments on the continued increase of H1N1 influenza cases and what the government should do to prevent the diseases from spreading to wider areas in this country

The Jakarta Post
Thu, July 9, 2009

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SMS: H1N1 influenza

Your comments on the continued increase of H1N1 influenza cases and what the government should do to prevent the diseases from spreading to wider areas in this country.

Perhaps it's time for the government to make it a policy for people suffering from any kind of influenza to wear surgical masks because the use of surgical masks can prevent the spread of viruses or bacteria especially the H1N1 virus. If this fails, the government should make it as a law.

Oka Anantajaya,

Jakarta

The government is responsible for educating its people on practical ways to prevent flu from spreading. But the government knows that. The question is, does this translate into action?

Andoko Darta

Jakarta

The government should watch on people that are HINI suspects. It needs to prevent this disease from spreading to other people by checking passengers/people who come in through the airports and ports. If we find anyone has contracted the HINI flu, the health officer needs to take the suspect to hospital for further treatment.

The government also needs to educate people in the country about ways to prevent the HINI flu. Until now, the HINI flu has resulted in 300 deaths and there are 70,000 confirmed cases worldwide.

Abdul Rahim

Tangerang, Banten

The WHO has declared H1N1 influenza a potential pandemic threat to mankind, which requires our fullest awareness.

All cases of the "H1N1-flu" were contracted abroad; the first priority should be the tightening of control of all arriving passengers.

The health measures used to detect cases have been done according to a well-established standard operating procedure. So far, the government's handling of this health threat has been adequate and effective.

Soebagjo Soetadhi

Jakarta

It seems to me that the government is tackling this issue in a hopscotch manner, like requiring everyone coming from "suspect" countries to wear masks for three consecutive days upon arrival and having these people undergo blood tests as soon as they step off a plane or ship onto Indonesian soil.

These are hastily and ill-conceived policies which are almost impossible to be implemented and monitored. They'll only spread panic as well as drive tourists and business people away.

Does the Health Minister really think any tourist in his right mind would go sunbathing or surfing or even stroll along the beach in Bali with a mask on for three consecutive days? Not to mention business people having to attend meetings wearing a mask all the time! Sure, we have to exert caution, but please, keep it in perspective and don't go about it in a haphazard way!

Maybe Health Minister Siti Fadillah Supari should consult her counterparts in Mexico, the United States and Australia on how they are handling this issue?

V.T. Hopkins

Jakarta

 

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