KUCHING: Some people here are still ignorant of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus despite World Health Organisation (WHO) raising the pandemic alert level.

Carnation Club of Kuching and Samarahan chairperson Magdalene Chong said local communities must be more aware of the virus and take the necessary precautions to avert its outbreak.

“You will be surprised when you ask the public if they are aware of Influenza A(H1N1). Some of them throw back the question ‘What’s that?’,”she said at a press conference on an upcoming forum on swine flu themed ‘Prevention is better than cure’ yesterday.

Chong said communities here must be aware of the symptoms, prevention and cure for swine flu, even if the state was still considered free from the virus, which had affected over 60 countries and killed more than 100 people.

“They have to understand that Influenza A(H1N1) is not a normal flu but a new life-threatening virus.”

Conceding that local’s awareness of the virus was low, she said people had no excuse not to know about Influenza A(H1N1) since WHO was preparing for the second wave of attack by the virus.

“There is yet to be a vaccine for this virus and many countries across the globe, especially the United States, are extremely concerned about its mutation.

“Everyone of us must know the preventive measures. There is no way for us to ignore the spread of the virus,” she said.

As such, the club took the initiative to organise a forum on Influenza A(H1N1) to heighten awareness among locals, Chong said.

“Following the outbreak of the swine flu, it is important for the public to know more about this disease as well as the steps to prevent it.

“We have invited two distinguished speakers for the forum. They are professionals who have years of experience dealing with infectious diseases,” she said, believing that the coming health forum was first of its kind to engage medical professionals.

People from all walks of life are invited to the forum to take place at MBKS Auditorium at 1.30pm on June 14. Admission is free.

Speakers Dr Chin Vei Ching and Dr Chua Hock Hin will enlighten the audience on the symptoms, prevention and other useful information on the swine flu.

Dr Chin holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UPM and is director of the State Veterinary Department.

Also president of the Sarawak Veterinary Association, he has more than 31 years’ experience in veterinary clinical service, veterinary public health service and livestock development.

Dr Chua meanwhile is a physician in the Department of Medicine of Sarawak General Hospital. He is experienced in the field of infectious diseases.

He has worked in many established organisations such as Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Bahru and the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia.

Among those present at the press conference were Carnation Club of Kuching and Samarahan secretary Liew Fui Kean, treasurer Lim Siew Ngo and public relations person Lily Low.