Expert warns that next epidemic could be avian flu

Channel NewsAsia 10 May 08;

SINGAPORE: An expert on epidemics said that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which appeared five years ago is unlikely to recur.

But he warns that the new wave of epidemics could stem from human-to-human transmission of avian flu.

This is according to Dr Zhong Nan Shan, who was one of the doctors at the frontline, when China was battling SARS.

Dr Zhong, who is in Singapore, shared his experience with participants at the Singapore Medical Association's annual lecture on Saturday. The decorated doctor is an expert in respiratory diseases.

He warned that if avian flu is not controlled, it could be the next epidemic.

Dr Zhong urged governments to exercise more effective quarantine and surveillance procedures. He also called on the public to exercise better hygiene.

He said: "At the moment, the pandemic of avian flu still exists in the world. For example, in Korea now, it is not under control of avian flu in poultry. In other parts, human flu still exists. If this cold exists, then it will be more possible to develop human avian flu." - CNA/vm