Asia Cautious over Flu Pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a swine flu pandemic and is advising governments to prepare for a long-term battle against the virus. The United Nations-based agency raised its pandemic flu alert to phase 6 on a six-point scale, indicating the first flu pandemic since 1968 is under way.

Japan said the virus was under control in the country but warned of a possible outbreak in cases later this year.

[Takeo Kawamura, Chief Government Spokesperson]:male
"We ask our citizens to be calm but remain alert. More importantly, we are planning extensive counter-measures towards this Fall.

Japan now has 539 confirmed swine flu cases, but about 400 of them have recovered. Across Japan, several schools have been closed for up to a month after a student was affected by the flu.

Meanwhile, many residents in Tokyo shrugged off the news and showed no sign of panic.

[Masayoshi Iijima, Restaurant Owner]:male
"I think it's dangerous but I'm not that worried."

But others are concerned.

[Keiko Kato, Tokyo Resident]:
"There's no way to track the virus or where it came from so I'm scared."

[Akiko Hirano, Tokyo Resident]:
"Japan is very calm now but I think it's a good thing that the WHO has raised the level."

In Beijing, residents reacted with calm to news of the pandemic.

[Miss Cai, Beijing Resident]:
"Even though people are not too nervous about it, we still have to be cautious. We should try to avoid going to crowded places and let our families take care of our health. This is all that people can do to try to stop the disease from spreading."

[Chen Yongqiang, Beijing Resident]:male
"I don't think there will be a problem in Beijing. At least this is what I think. The flu is just another form of a cold isn't it? There won't be a problem as long as we exercise and live healthy. This is what I think."

Mainland China has seen an increase in confirmed cases. 15 newly confirmed cases of the swine flu have been recently reported, bringing the total up to 126.

Hong Kong authorities confirmed the first local cluster of swine flu cases and announced the closure of all childcare centers and primary schools for two weeks.




South Korea's health authorities are taking serious measures.

[Lee Jong-Koo, S. Korean Health Ministry Official]:male
"We have decided to remain at the current alert level because most patients got infected overseas with few patients infected by close contacts."

South Korea has 56 confirmed swine flu cases and no deaths.

[Moon Soon-Ock, Seoul Resident]:female
"I was not worried because my country does not have many patients. But I will have to be more cautious because they raised the alert level."




The move to phase 6 reflects the fact that the disease is spreading geographically. People who are between 30 to 50-years-old, pregnant women or people suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or obesity are at highest risk.

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