Macao joined China’s delegation in the 62nd World Health Assembly, which opened in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.

During the Assembly, international health experts discussed how to prevent influenza pandemic and addressed other global health issues.

The latest information presented in the Assembly showed that the Influenza A (H1N1) virus was relatively mild considering its limited mutation capability and similar fatality rate when compared with seasonal influenza, Dr Chan Wai Sin, who led Macao’s delegation, said at a press conference in Macao today.

Dr Chan, who is also the Deputy Director of the Health Bureau, also said Tamiflu could effectively prevent the new virus.

Another Deputy Director of the Bureau, Dr Cheang Seng Ip, said the five Filipinos under medical observation remained healthy and maintained a stable mood. If no symptoms of illness were developed within the quarantine period, they would be able to leave tomorrow.

Medical observation was a useful way to prevent infectious diseases from spreading and the Bureau extended gratitude for their co-operation.

The Hospital Conde S. Januário treated 72 children and 29 adults with respiratory illness symptoms today and medical teams at terminals checked body temperatures of more than 121,000 people entering Macao. They also dealt with 66 enquiries

To date there is no probable or confirmed human case of influenza A (H1N1) reported in Macao.