# 569
Despite the slowdown over the past week in apparent news (I use the word `apparent' quite purposefully), governments around the world continue to prepare for an avian flu pandemic.
The latest effort, a two day simulation of an outbreak, was held by six Asian nations: China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
In their practice scenario, 18 patients and 3 health care workers were found to be infected in a clinic in Malaysia, and that a mutation had occurred to make the virus easily transmissible between humans.
Details are sketchy on exactly how this drill turned out, but problems were detected in inter-country communications. Scientists in some countries are prohibited by law from releasing information until they receive governmental approval.
6 Asian countries test preparedness for possible virus pandemic
By MARGIE MASON
AP Medical Writer
SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) -- Six Asian nations tested their preparedness Tuesday for a possible outbreak of a pandemic caused by a long-feared mutation of the bird flu virus.
Officials representing a variety of agencies in the countries, from tourism to defense, practiced responding to a scenario in which the H5N1 bird flu virus became easier for people to catch.
In a real outbreak, decisions made by the officials, and the time it took to carry out their plans, could determine whether a possible pandemic would spread wildly across the region or die down after quick action.
The six nations - China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam - which share borders and a history of transmigration, face the possibility of a similar outbreak.
Dr. Preecha Prempree, an epidemiologist from Thailand's Ministry of Health, said the region has the greatest potential of triggering a pandemic. "We think this is a very dangerous point for us. We have to have cooperation in the region," he said.
