Editorial: The long fight against A(H1N1) flu
- Source: Global Times
- [08:59 July 06 2009]
- Comments
News coverage of the A(H1N1) flu has given way to more eye-catching reports on celebrity deaths or fatal accidents. But this doesn’t mean the danger is over. The fact remains that China still faces the grim possibility of an epidemic.
As of the latest update, 1,040 people have been reported as infected with the A(H1N1) virus in China. One patient died of an unrelated accident. Worldwide, more than 100 countries and regions have reported over 70,000 cases of the virus, with a death toll amounting to 311 people.
The actual number of infectious cases globally is believed to be several times the figure reported. The WHO raised its alarm level to the maximum 6 on June 12.
China has spared no effort to trace and block the virus’ transmission. This has caused some social disruptions, like school closings and the quarantine of large numbers of travelers coming from high-risk areas.
The aggressive measures are deemed unnecessary by some, given the flu’s general mildness. Between the extremes of panic and complacency lies the best course: vigilance.
As WHO Director-General Margaret Chan has noted, the greatest challenge in a pandemic of moderate severity is helping people understand when they do not need to worry and when they do need to seek urgent care.
Too many questions remain unanswered since the A(H1N1) virus first emerged in April in Mexico. Some patients recover quickly after receiving treatment, while others seem to deteriorate rapidly. And the virus’ next mutation remains unknown.
China has certainly thrown a great deal of resources at dealing with the flu. However, the rigorous measures in place are necessary given the potential cost to the public and the country’s healthcare system should the virus get out of control. As a country with a dense population and a primitive healthcare system, China must do everything possible to minimize the impact of the virus.
Attempts to cut human-to-human transmission of the virus so far have proved effective, and it’s not the time to let our guard down. But we are worried that countries with more serious outbreaks of the virus are not concerned enough.
Massive migration has added to the difficulty of bringing the infection under control. China’s aggressive control measures actually are a great help in mitigating the wider impact.
While every government has to walk a fine line between protecting its population and not inciting panic, it’s crucial to keep in mind that fighting a global pandemic requires global collaboration.