AsiaOne Health

>> ASIAONE / HEALTH / NEWS / ARCHIVE

2009

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

2008

Pensioners' polyclinic visits should be hassle-free Pensioners' health are more likely to be in poor condition and should be eligible to queue less. -myp		Create database of TB patients to ensure regular treatment The increase in new cases of TB is worrying and should not be taken lightly. -myp

Pistachios recalled in US due to salmonella risk Consumers warned not to purchase any products containing pistachios until more investigation has been done. -Reuters		Sleep problems may up suicide risk, study finds Sleep disturbance coupled with waking up early suggest strong links to suicidal tendencies. -Reuters

Germy mouths linked to heart attacks, study finds Abundance of germs may be more important than type of germ present. -Reuters		Computer exercise helps stroke victims "see" again Computer exercise builds up 'blindsight' and gives hope for patients to begin driving and shopping again. -Reuters

	Only for the rich? It appears that these days, a fat wallet is a prerequisite for getting good medical attention. -The Star/ANN		My health is okay, says PM S'pore's PM said he has lost weight because the doctor ordered it. -ST

The 'edible gold' money-spinner The potent antioxidant found in palm oil extracts is worth its weight in gold. -NST		Spike in dengue cases Dengue in M'sia rose by 49%, but ministry is implementing a multi-pronged scheme to lower it. -The Star/ANN

Guppies released into flooded basement for mosquito control This is the latest attempt by Taiwan's public health authorities to control the mosquito population through biological methods and prevent a dengue fever outbreak. -The China Post		WHO: Act now or risk a fatal TB outbreak Although usually curable, TB has evolved into untreatable strains, with an estimated 9.27 million cases reported across the globe in 2007. -China Daily

Asbestos-tainted baby powder recalled Three SKorean manufacturers are recalling baby powder products. -AFP		Grapefruit diet almost cost woman her leg An ultrasound scan found she had a large clot blocking the veins of her left leg. -AFP

New antibiotic clears hurdle in TB treatment This new antibiotic has passed a key phase in a test of drugs aimed at shortening the time to cure tuberculosis. -AFP		Hospital: Neurosurgeon attended to pupil Malaysian boy had collapsed and died after being caned at school. -NST

	Ambulance on the way, now do this... Woman's husband lay in the toilet after a bad fall, bleeding from the mouth and ears.	Peru farmer hospitalized with eight-day erection He suffers from priapism, a persistent erection of the penis often due to a blood clot in the erectile tissue. -AFP

South Asian diabetics at risk for early eye trouble They have a much higher risk of losing their eyesight to diabetic eye disease, compared to White Europeans. -Reuters		Age-related mental decline starts in the late-20s Certain mental functions, including measures of abstract reasoning and mental speed actually begin their decline in young adulthood. -Reuters

Nicotine replacement could help more smokers quit Smokers who do not yet want to quit but are prepared to reduce their smoking are twice as likely to stop in the long term. -Reuers		Scientists prove human heart can regenerate cells Discovery could one day reduce the need for transplants. -Reuters

Caution on cervical cancer shots Vaccine effects on girls as young as nine must be studied further. -AFP		Singapore urges caution on cervical cancer shots Mass childhood vaccination programme could send a message that teenage sex was condoned, said minister of state. -AFP

Tie-up with Swiss biotech Local scientists will use Swiss firm's technology to speed up its search for HFMD treatments. -ST		A*Star signs agreement in fight against HFMD Research collaboration aims to speed up development of antibodies fully derived from human cells to help fight HFMD. -AsiaOne

	Card games fight dementia Two new ones help stimulate patients' memories, improve recognition of everyday objects and hone problem-solving skills.		Sounds like you have the sniffles That husky, low voice may sound sexy but it is a sign you have a cold and that several parts of the upper respiratory tract are swollen.

Conjoined twin boys dumped by parents They were born joined at the abdomen and with heart problems; hospital manages to separate them, asks for parents to show up. -TNP			Young and troubled Getting scolded or failing to meet academic grades lead the young nowadays up the irreversible road of suicide. -ST

	A gift of life should be free Will financial compensation for organ donors encourage more people to donate for the right reasons? -myp		No need to pay if there are no co-payments Civil Service Card holders enjoy medical benefits at National Healthcare Group polyclinics. -myp

Prescription painkiller relieves shingles pain Patients taking oxycodone were more than twice as likely to experience at least 30 per cent reduction in pain compared with taking placebo. -Reuters		Deafness after mumps more common than thought Mumps-related hearing loss in children may be 20 times more common than previously suggested. -Reuters

Action movie star Jet Li appointed WHO ambassador If we do not take care of our bodies, we will not be able to do many things," said the action star. -AFP			Vatican rejects Belgian censure of pope on condoms Earlier controversial remarks made by the pope had provoked widespread criticism by press, health officials and politicians in Europe. -Reuters

Explosives chemical found in US baby formula: watchdog Studies have established that the chemical is a potent toxin that may interfere with fetal, infant brain development, it said. -AFP			A matter of life & death: Survey What does dying well mean to people in Singapore? And what would they do if they had only six months to live? -ST

China to complete health care reforms by 2020 $187.1 billion will be spent to ensure safe, affordable coverage for more than one billion citizens. -Reuters		Gene clue to Asian hepatitis risk Japanese researchers may have identified a gene that makes Asians vulnerable to the disease. -AFP

World's first hands, face transplant The surgery is said to be a success with the recipient in good condition. -AFP			Pay attention to your feet When your feet are in pain, what shoes should you wear? And are Crocs recommended for healthy feet?

	Baby broccoli may help prevent stomach cancer: study It may protect against a common stomach bug that is linked to gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer. -Reuters	Sleeping away from home may raise sudden infant death risk Sleeping in the living room was also linked with an increased risk as compared to sleeping in the parent's bedroom. -Reuters

	Dying well Before she died of cancer, Shin Na was open with her two young children about impending end. -ST	New dialysis centre in west NKF scouting for a site in Boon Lay or Jurong. -ST

Exercise safe for heart failure patients-US study US study finds that patients who had suffered from heart failure tend to gain benefits from safe exercise. -Reuters		Dying baby's heart may save another baby Parents have agreed to take their child off life support in order to hopefully save another. -AFP

U.S. regulator approves rapid test for bird flu The test developed by Arbor Vita Corporation can detect the presence of the influenza in less than 40 minutes. -Reuters		SKorea recalls cosmetics contaminated with asbestos Asbestos can cause lung cancer when inhaled; products were from L?Ocean cosmetics company. -AFP

NKF to give travel subsidy Needy kidney patients will get ez-link cards, top-ups for dialysis-centre trips. -ST			Singaporeans' poor hygiene habits AC Nielsen survey shows 40 percent don't use soap and 30 percent don't wash hands before their meals. -myp

Singapore restricts donor payments to locals This is to prevent wealthy locals from exploiting poor foreigners. -AFP		Strict measures taken against TB patients defaulting on treatment The TB Registry tracks TB patients, and persistent defaulters may be put under the Directly Observed Therapy programme. -myp

	Second woman in coma dies Her husband Mr Mohd Salleh Sapir, 65, said that Mdm Norani had a history of diabetes. -ST	Brown fat found in adults, may help weight loss Brown fat activated by cold temperatures burns calories faster than regular fat. -Reuters

Heartburn medication not effective for asthma: study Researchers showed Nexium is not more effective than a placebo. -AFP			Who wants to wash hands in dirty toilets? Some public loos are in a deplorable state, with foul odours and sinks clogged with tissue paper and food: reader. -myp

HFMD cases near epidemic 653 hit last week, just 12 short of critical level; numbers likely to rise in coming traditional peak. -ST		SKorea bans sale of medical goods containing asbestos Asbestos is a toxic mineral that can cause serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. -AFP

Ill baby shocks parents by breathing without support Parents had planned to donate daughter's heart to another ill child. -AFP		Caffeine may lessen exercisers' muscle pain Findings add to earlier evidence that show how caffeine can help prevent that familiar muscle soreness. - Reuters

More blood donors needed Irrational fear and lack of awareness cited as reasons for insufficient number of donors. -myp			Rojak food poisoning: Big, bad, bold Rat problem at the temporary Geylang Serai Market has worsened, with the animals seen scurrying around on roof beams, rafters at night. -TNP

High blood pressure in pregnancy a heart risk Women who had high bp during pregnancy are likely to develop heart disease at an earlier age. -Reuters		Growth hormone slows age-related loss of strength Adults with growth hormone deficiency tend to have excess body fat and reduced muscle strength. -Reuters

Health Ministry acted swiftly on food poisoning cases Investigations were already underway at the stall in the early hours of Saturday morning after being alerted on Friday night.		12 ill after steamboat meal 2 people suffered vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain after eating at the Ba Shu Ren Jia steamboat restaurant. -ST

Parkinson's sufferers on the rise, says Liow Malaysia needs more neurologists to overcome limitations in treating diseases such as Parkinson's. -The Star/ANN		Most koalas in Japan carry virus tied to leukemia: report The koala retrovirus was detected in all 39 northeastern koalas -AFP

Overweight health ministry staff in M'sia told to shape up Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he was concerned with the rise in obesity, a disease described as the "entry point to all sickness". -The Star/ANN		Msia's Health Minister questions hospital Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai demanded answers after a fire broke out at Putrajaya Hospital following a lightning strike. -NST

Make hygiene-grading criteria public A reader suggests having the rating criteria for food outlets made public so that they can report cases of non-adherence. -myp		Privileges help blood donors keep on giving A reader suggests the authorities review the medical-privilege policy and reinstate it for regular donors. -myp

Diners, ditch that dirty stall It is time for diners to change their mindset - hygiene and cleanliness do matter. -myp			Smoke absorbers for flats of elderly poor Foundation funds project to reduce the effects of incense smoke in these homes.

Over 90% get full subsidy Average hospital bill sizes for Class B2 and C patients have remained relatively stable at about $1,500: Health Minister. -ST			Work towards peaceful death Is it possible to die well? See what 7 well-known people say to that and their attitudes towards death.

Households to receive free mosquito caps Households in the South-West district will receive specially patented bamboo pole holder caps this year. -AsiaOne		Automated medication system The automated systems will also reduce administrative work by nurses. -ST

SKorea bans Chinese beef stock Chemical that can cause a rapid pulse, stomach ache and various heart-related disorders was found. -AFP		Losing sleep? Snoring is one of the signs of sleep apnea. -The Star/ANN

Boy bitten by ants lands in ICU Poisonous ant stings caused 13-year-old to vomit and his limbs to swell. -The Star/ANN		6 steps to prevent mass food-poisoning The following steps should be taken to ensure no repeat of the Geylang Serai incident. -myp

Sensitive medical issues need privacy Patients can be accompanied, but doctors may request some alone time when the need for confidentiality arises. -myp			Hygiene is 'part of gracious living' SM Goh: Government must reinforce measures to ensure eating establishments maintained highest standard of cleanliness. -ST

	Lack of 'team spirit' at work tied to depression People with who felt their work climate was highly prejudiced and quarrelsome found to be 61% more likely to be depressed. -Reuters	Excessive meat and dairy may harm sperm quality Meat and high-fat foods may expose men to higher levels of substances known as xenobiotics. -Reuters

Snoring: a sign of trouble in preschoolers? Three- to six-year-old children who snore have more symptoms of depression and anxiety, says study. -Reuters			Eating fruit may raise cancer risk in smokers: study While non-smokers benefit from a high intake of fruit and vegetables, the reverse seems to be true for smokers. -AFP

Spring + recession = higher suicide risk: study Being a man, a doctor and a smoker up the risks even more. -AFP		Is enough known of euthanasia? A reader worries about the effect pro-euthanasia group Exit International will bring when they hold their talk next month.

Blood donation should come from heart Reader came to realise and appreciate the importance of a readily-available blood supply when his father needed a transfusion.			Medical science needs you Singapore needs more people for clinical trials for new drugs and treatment. Find out what you stand to gain by taking part. -ST

	She has HIV but didn't tell her lovers One of three men she slept with tests positive for the Aids-causing virus.		350kg man loses battle of the bulge The 44-year-old had difficulty breathing and passed away just a day after media reports of his fight with his flab were published. -TNP

Axeing donor benefits helps ensure blood safety Material incentives may cause some people to be less truthful about their health history for fear of losing out.		Tie stall tender renewals to hygiene: Khaw Mr Khaw believes that people here have become complacent, and said that hygiene levels have slumped to almost a failing grade. -ST

Minister questions plans to separate conjoined twins Neurosurgeon Keith Goh asked by state government of Andhra Pradesh, India to carry out the surgery. -ST		More men calling helpline Most called to talk about work, parental problems and other issues which stressed them out. -NST

	Two years to clear 'dengue' dump Resident's quest for action tied up in red tape.		Slumdog dance fever Bollywood moves surge in popularity, thanks to Oscar-winning movie.

Abnormal risks tied to flu drug? Patients aged between 10 and 17 who took medicine are most at risk, Japanese study finds. -ANN			NEA will step up enforcement of public-hygiene standards Measures include more refresher training on food and personal hygiene for stall holders and food handlers. -myp

AIDS treatment still eludes Chinese children-report Families too poor to afford treatment despite govt's policy of free treatment. -Reuters		Cancer "culprits" in tobacco smoke revealed Nicotine byproducts NNAL and cotinine up the risk of lung cancer in smokers by at least eight times. -Reuters

Stay slim to save the planet Estimations show that each fat person is responsible for about one tonne of carbon dioxide emissions a year more than each thin person. -Reuters			Singapore minister warns against twins' surgery: report Health Minister Khaw warns that surgery to separate conjoined twins could do more harm than good. -AFP

A or B a breeze for hospital eateries Big chains can meet high cleanliness ratings but smaller ones face a tougher challenge. -ST			I disagree with the Health Minister: Neurosurgeon Keith Goh Minister Khaw had cautioned about the latest possible surgery on conjoined twins, saying it could do more harm than good. -AFP

Global swine flu pandemic 'very likely': Hong Kong expert Virus does not appear to be as lethal as bird flu. -AFP		"But she looked older!" - booze no excuse, says study Even when drunk, a man remains a shrewd judge of whether a female is of legal age for sex, study suggests. -AFP

'Silent' heart attacks more common than thought Nearly 200,000 Americans each year suffering such an attack without realizing it, says study. -AFP		More seeking free medical treatment Lines at free clinics, even smaller outfits, growing longer in leaner times. -ST

Drug seen useful in preventing diabetes - Japan study Patients on voglibose were 54 percent more likely to achieve normal blood sugar levels than those given placebo. -Reuters			Kidney failure after op for fracture Simple elbow surgery led to kidney failure, liver infection and jaundice. -The Star

Surgeon: We followed correct procedures Doctor who treated Devarani said she contracted a superbug infection. -The Star		Breakfast may alter fat burning during exercise A high-fiber, low-glycemic index breakfast may help one burn more fat during breakfast. -Reuters

Could hygienic living be making us more sick? Immune cells can improperly react to harmless triggers such as pollen if not properly primed in childhood. -Reuters		1,200 people in trials of dengue vaccine Singapore will use four public hospitals to recruit participants to test the vaccine. -myp

	Thrill or mental disorder? Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that there is a growing number of people here who don't mind flashing their flesh, in public or online. -TNP	Red Cross steps up blood drives Singapore Red Cross will up frequency from tomorrow as collection levels usually dip during school holidays, festive periods. -myp

	Breastfeeding lowers mother's heart risks Postmenopausal women who have breastfed a child have a lower risk of heart attacks, stroke and cardiovascular disease. -AFP	Tan Bin Seng struck off register of doctors Former first vice-chairman of the Workers' Party found guilty of over-prescribing hypnotic drugs. -ST

Grading system for hawker hygiene 'sound' Minister says it has prodded foodsellers to improve cleanliness. -ST		Over counter US sales of morning-after pill for over 17s Younger girls are now able to get the pill with the lowered age limit. -AFP

Fight bad food hygiene with 3-way attack Public education, encouraging whistle-blowing and keeping surprise checks are ways a reader suggested NEA could adopt. -myp		Suicide tops student-killer list More than half of those who attempted or died in acts of suicide had been suffering from depression. -China Daily/ANN

Video: Bangladesh faces diarrhoea epidemic Hospitals are overwhelmed with people suffering acute diarrhoea. -Reuters			Devarani born with just one kidney Her condition only came to light after the organ shut down following treatment for an infection. -The Star/ANN

Egyptian woman dies of bird flu It is the 25th human fatality of the disease. -Reuters		Vegetable juice may help with weight loss In a study, adults who drank at least 8 ounces of vegetable juice a day lost more weight than those who did not. -Reuters

Chinese firm recalls tainted luncheon meat 100 boxes of luncheon meat recalled for containing a banned chemical. -AFP			Most S'poreans don't floss daily Singaporeans may know just how important good oral hygiene is, but only a handful would actually do something to ensure it. -myp

	Warning: Suicide peak ahead If the recession worsens, Singapore should brace itself for a rise in suicides, said suicide expert. -ST	Experts identify cells causing severe malaria This type of immune cells shut down the immune system, allowing the parasite to multiply uncontrollably. -Reuters

	Is this beautiful? At 1.8 m tall, Miss Universe Australia finalist Stephanie Naumoska weighs just 49 kg and is almost skin and bones. -Reuters	French women, thinnest in Europe, think they're fat France has by far the highest proportion of clinically underweight women in Europe, but only half of them think they are too thin. -AFP

Blood and DNA tests for cancers A two-year clinical trial will be conducted to develop diagnostic tests which can detect certain cancers. -The Star/ANN			More seeking free medical treatment Lines at free clinics, even smaller outfits, growing longer in leaner times. -ST

Mexico shuts schools around capital in flu scare Classes were cancelled after influenza killed around 20 people in recent weeks. -Reuters		After weight loss, lower-fat diets may be best Once weight loss has been attained, a diet low in saturated fat represents an excellent prescription for a healthy heart. -Reuters

Home teeth whiteners may weaken enamel Teeth bleaching products for home use may reduce the enamel's ability to "bounce back" from normal wear and tear. -Reuters		Charred meat linked to pancreatic cancer risk Well done meats cooked by frying, grilling or barbecuing formed carcinogens, a cancer-causing compound. -AFP

Could lice prevent asthma? Research on mice shows that those carrying the most lice had calmer immune systems than uninfested rodents. -Reuters			Singaporean has Asia's first combined heart, liver swap 58-year-old pastor recovering well after 3-hour surgery, which was needed to treat a rare genetic condition. -AFP

	First double organ transplant: Pastor stable but still weak Operation a joint effort between surgeons from two S'pore medical insitutions. -TNP	Tan Bin Seng struck off register of doctors This is the second time it has happened - the first was in 1993, when he was struck off for over-prescribing a hypnotic drug. -ST

A life spent studying death Dr Chia estimates about 90 of his patients have killed themselves out of the 5,000 he has treated over a 20-year period. -ST			Surviving a broken heart Four-year-old Dana is such an active child, her mother forgets she has a hole in her heart. -ST

	Compliments of the season Nothing can be pleasanter than an old age of leisure, a Roman philosopher once said. -ST	Swine flu has 'pandemic potential' But strain is still poorly understood and the situation is evolving quickly, says WHO head. -Reuters

	Asia sets up checks, fear grows with more US cases A new flu virus that has killed up to 68 people in Mexico could start a global epidemic. -Reuters	No cases of flu in Singapore MOH has informed all medical practitioners and healthcare institutions of outbreak in US and Mexico. -AsiaOne

Video: Suspected swine flu cases rise Spain, France and New Zealand reporting suspected cases of the new H1N1 strain. -Reuters			Swine flu: Asia moves to keep deadly strain out Checks at air and sea ports stepped up; public urged to be on guard. No known cases of the flu have been reported in Singapore. -ST

World flu epidemic fear rises While the only deaths have been in Mexico, the flu is spreading and cases have been reported in as far away as NZ. -Reuters		Chulalongkorn ready to tackle swine-flu An emergency watch has been ordered for the swine flu outbreak, said the Public Health Ministry. -The Nation/ANN

M'sia prepared to deal with spread of swine flu Officers are placed at all travel entry points in Malaysia to screen travellers suspected of the illness. -The Star/ANN		Dengue alert in Bandar Baru Uda, JB 322 cases of dengue were reported within the council jurisdiction, with Bandar Baru Uda topping the list. -The Star/ANN

Swine flu: symptoms, diagnosis and prevention Here are measures to keep yourself safe. -AFP		How swine flu spreads in humans Can you catch it from eating pork or pork products? -Reuters

Asia on high alert over Mexico's swine-flu outbreak Airports tightened checks on passengers arriving from Mexico, officials gave out face masks and used thermography-imaging cameras. -myp		Worried about swine flu? Wash your hands Common sense measures can help individuals protect themselves, say health experts. -Reuters

	Doc rushes donor heart in his car The donor heart used in S'pore's and Asia's first double organ transplant was not rushed to hospital in an ambulance. -TNP	Panic in Mexico, US as killer swine flu fears spread US declared a public emergency amid signs the disease was spreading. -AFP

	Swine flu roundup - Apr 30 First swine flu death outside Mexico has been reported; victim is 23-month-old toddler.	I'm 57, son's 6, that's a lot of work The pastor looked in very good shape for someone who had just undergone a double transplant operation. -TNP

Philippines warns on hugs, kisses over flu fear There have been no flu cases reported in the Philippines but the virus has killed at least 20 people in Mexico. -AFP		The swine flu fallout around the world How far swine flu is believed to have spread, including confirmed cases, suspected infections and false alarms. -AFP

Asia can provide lessons on fighting swine flu It is better equipped to deal with an outbreak of swine flu because of its deadly experience with SARS and bird flu. -AFP		Swine flu 'more worrying' than bird flu: Australian expert Although it has a lower mortality rate than bird flu, swine flu spreads much more readily between humans. -AFP

EU calls urgent swine flu meeting World health officials have stepped up the battle against swine flu. -AFP		Vietnam in quick response to swine flu threat: WHO There are no cases of the new swine flu in Vietnam. -AFP

Europe's first swine flu case confirmed in Spain: government The government earlier warned citizens against travel to Mexico. -AFP		Hong Kong woman being tested for swine flu: official She had just returned from San Francisco and showed some flu-like symptoms. -AFP

Australia orders airport checks for swine flu Chief medical officer ordered strict controls on international flights. -AFP		Taiwan man cleared of swine flu after fever scare Initial test indicated that he was not infected. -AFP

Hong Kong woman cleared of swine flu: official She had contracted human flu. -AFP		2 cases tested negative All healthcare institutions here have stepped up their infectious disease control measures. -ST

	Lifting shroud of shame over child sex abuse Number of child sexual abuse cases reported has shot up, and actual figures could be much higher. -ST	Report symptoms immediately, pig farms told Conduct surveillance on pig farms in risk areas to detect outbreak. -The Star/ANN

7 more flu scanners for M'sia M'sia health ministry trying to source for seven more scanners to speed up the checks on incoming passengers. -NST		It's under control, says Mexican envoy Measures taken by the World Health Organisation and United States had worked. -NST

Swine flu confirmed in Israel and New Zealand Mexico death toll 149; WHO raises alert level. -Reuters		HK on alert after suspected swine flu case The government stepped up preventive measures in preparation for a potential epidemic. -China Daily/ANN

Three suspected swine flu cases in Germany: ministry If confirmed, they would be Germany's first cases of the virus. -AFP		Chonburi people not worried about swine flu Smaller number of people bought pork in Chon Buri because of the high price, not the swine influenza. -The Nation/ANN

	S'pore ready to tackle swine flu Close to 200 beds in the Communicable Disease Centre have been set aside for the isolation of influenza cases. -myp		Abused as a child, he turned abuser Sam, physically abused by his father when he was young, turned on his wife when he got married. -ST

NZealand checks 56 possible swine flu cases 9 students and a teacher who returned from Mexico likely to have contracted virus. -AFP		World closer to swine flu pandemic World health experts moved closer to declaring it the first flu pandemic in 40 years. Last one, in 1968, killed about one million. -Reuters

Australia probes 17 possible swine flu cases 5 people including children tested positive to a type A virus. -AFP		Health Minister against planned euthanasia talk Khaw: Workshop to teach the terminally ill how to commit suicide not welcome here. -ST

	Keyhole surgery makes big difference A three-month-old infant had to undergo a major surgery to remove 95 per cent of her pancreas. -NST	Swine flu factfile: Why the world is so worried World Health Organisation says the outbreak has "pandemic potential". -AFP

Scottish flu couple named as UK gives Mexico warning They had been on honeymoon in the southeastern resort of Cancun. -Reuters		No 'probable' cases of swine flu in China: WHO Several people with suspicious symptoms being investigated. -AFP

SKorean woman 'probably' has swine flu: health agency She is now isolated in hospital for treatment and surveillance. -AFP		EU seeks urgent meeting with drug makers over swine flu Health commissioner appeals for greater coordination over the threat. -AFP

UN food body checks if 'swine flu' linked to pigs Animal health experts sent to Mexico. -Reuters		Companies start initial work on swine flu vaccine Genetic code of virus available, virus samples awaited. -Reuters

Latest snapshot of the swine flu crisis Here are some figures for the cases detected so far.		Four tested in Hong Kong on suspicion of swine flu: official They had all travelled to countries where outbreaks had occurred. -AFP

Australia probes 70 possible swine flu cases It cautioned against travel to Mexico. -AFP		Thai woman being tested for swine flu She recently visited Mexico and California. -AFP

Taiwan to mass produce swine flu vaccine It could be hit before winter sets in. -AFP		Taiwan's ailing health care system Scheme noted for cheap and extensive coverage faces crippling costs. -ST

	From broken wrist to failed kidney The $1,500 injection was supposed to fix her osteoporosis, but Mrs Wong ended up with kidney failure instead. -TNP		Health Ministry raises pandemic alert level The yellow alert is now in place as swine flu spreads to Europe and Middle East. -ST

	Hot pill S'pore pharmacies report interest in Tamiflu capsules, starting to stock up. -myp	Don't want virus? Don't share food Communal eating without using serving spoons helps diseases to spread, says a reader. -myp

How serious is swine flu? How bad could it get? Questions about the latest outbreak answered right here. -Reuters			Swine flu strikes fear in Lukut residents An equally deadly virus had struck 10 years ago, killing 105 people. -NST

New flu strain kills almost 150 Israel and New Zealand have confirmed their first cases of swine flu, becoming the latest countries to be hit by the new strain. -Reuters		How does weather affect the spread of flu? Cold and dryness, heat and humidity, and even school cycles impact flu transmission. -Reuters

Diluted bleach baths help kids with eczema It helped decrease infection rates and disease severity. -Reuters		Swine flu deaths: From 20 to 7 Mexico revised its confirmed death toll downwards, but projections remain high. -AFP

SKorea probes five suspected swine flu cases People with suspected infections had returned from Mexico or US and showed flu-like symptoms. -AFP		What Singapore's Alert Yellow means The Health Ministry has raised the pandemic alert level in view of the swine flu threat. Find out what this means. -AsiaOne

Why swine flu is harder to contain than Sars Find out why swine flu is more contagious than Sars and harder to contain. -AsiaOne			Government has 1mil Tamiflu doses: Khaw Health Minister said S'pore has enough Tamiflu should an outbreak of swine flu occur, cautions public that the drug is not a vaccine. -AsiaOne

Germany becomes 8th country to confirm swine flu But reported deaths remained confined to Mexico nearly a week after threat of a pandemic emerged. -Reuters		First flu death outside Mexico A 23-month-old child has died in Texas. -Reuters

Debate rages over swine flu name Farming and economic lobby groups have objected to the term swine flu, arguing that it could have a disastrous impact on pork sales and pig farmers. -AFP			Do you know how to wash your hands? Dangerous bacteria can survive on door handles, computer keyboards and desks for more than two hours.

	One infected, 16 more tested in Korea Possible infected includes 15-month-old infant. -Korean Herald/ANN		New war on swine flu No place for complacency as this new enemy is much more difficult to deal with than Sars: Health Minister Khaw. -myp

Flu jabs for frontliners This exercise, to be carried out over the next two weeks. would cost the M'sian government some $2.91m. -The Star/ANN			An overdose of paracetamol said to have killed boy He suffered swelling of the brain and went into a coma. -The Star/ANN

	Siamese twins die The twins, who shared a liver and a heart, died of breathing difficulties. -NST		Wash your hands with soap? 'No need, no time.' One in four of 220 people observed does not use soap after toilet visit. -TNP

WHO raises flu threat level, warns pandemic imminent Influenza pandemics have capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world: World Health Organization director. -Reuters		US confirmed swine flu total rises to 91: CDC The outbreak has killed a toddler in Texas but has resulted in only mild symptoms in almost all other cases . -Reuters

The world's largest disease outbreaks and threats The new swine flu virus remains tiny in scale compared to other global epidemics. Find out which ones. -Reuters		Britain confirms three new swine flu cases This brings to five the total number of cases in the country. -Reuters

Latest snapshot of swine flu cris Here is an overview of the current swine flu situation around the world. -AFP		Mexico orders economic shutdown; pandemic imminent Partial shutdown for five days; no safer place than one's own home, said its president. -Reuters

Doubts over thermal scanners in swine flu fight People down with flu may not shown any symptoms. -AFP		Measures in Asia against swine flu Find out what precautions Asian countries are taking. -Reuters

S'pore issues Orange alert Heightened alert comes after the World Health Organisation raises pandemic phase from 4 to 5. -ST		Singapore raises pandemic alert to Orange Enhanced surveillance measures introduced; dedicated ambulance service for swine flu victims set up. -AsiaOne

Dutch confirm swine flu case in three year-old Including the Netherlands, 12 countries have now reported cases of the H1N1 strain. -Reuters		EU seeks emergency measures to tackle swine flu France pushed for a ban on flights to Mexico and Italy urged Europe to stockpile vaccines. -AFP

Swiss hospital develops 36-hr swine flu diagnostics test Laboratory specialists developed test after working on it "day and night over five days." -AFP		Learning hand hygiene Students from 25 schools in Singapore will learn how to wash hands the proper way. -ST

We welcome contributions, comments and tips.
	a1health@sph.com.sg
	9180 1253 (SMS)
	6319 8177