Myanmar schools in 10km radius of H1N1 infected area closed

After the reported outbreaks of H5N1 and H1N1 virus, schools located within a 10-km radius of the infected area in Dawei Township of Myanmar from August 1 to 7 have been ordered closed.

Tanintharyi Region Education Officer Office has decided to close schools located within a 10-km radius of the infected area in Dawei Township from August 1 to 7 after the reported outbreaks of H5N1 and H1N1 virus.

H1N1 virus or swine flu is a respiratory disease contracted through contact between humans and pigs and transmitted between people through inhalation.

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The region government closed all schools in Dawei Township from July 27 to 31 after H5N1 virus was found in the poultry farms in a ward on July 25.

On July 31, the region minister for Social and Development Affairs directed the region education officer to continue to close 125 primary schools in Dawei, Lounglon and Yayphyu Townships for seven days, and keep middle and high schools open.

The sale and transport of chicken meat is banned in Dawei Township.

Dr Myo Thant, the medical superintendent of Dawei People's Hospital said, "Two hospitalized patients from the infected area are found to have been infected with H1N1 on July 30. So far the number of patients infected with H1N1 has reached three."

Copyright: Eleven Media Group/ Asia News Network