2009 swine flu pandemic in Asia

On 27 April 2009 Azerbaijan imposed a ban on import of animal husbandry products from the Americas. AZAL took additional safety measures and a sanitary quarantine unit of the Health Ministry started to operate in Heydar Aliyev International Airport with all aircraft and passengers being checked.{{fact|date=April 2025}}

On 31 July, the first case of influenza A (H1N1) was confirmed.{{fact|date=April 2025}}

In July, the Ministry of Health launched an awareness campaign ahead of the start of the academic year, with many fearing the reopening of schools would lead to a much greater outbreak of the flu.{{cite news|title='Swine flu' alert as schools close for summer.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-203425388.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517124545/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-203425388.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 May 2013|access-date=1 September 2012|newspaper=Gulf Weekly |date=12 July 2009}} By early August, 18 confirmed cases of the flu were reported.{{cite news|title=Swine flu fight is on|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-205381130.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517154025/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-205381130.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 May 2013|access-date=1 September 2012|newspaper=Gulf Weekly |date=9 August 2009}} Haj travel agencies reported that thousands of Bahraini pilgrims cancelled their trips to Mecca over fears of contracting swine flu. Over 180 confirmed cases of the flu were reported in late August, all of whom had returned from traveling abroad.{{cite news|title=Flu scare hits Umrah trips from Bahrain.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-206441962.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517153514/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-206441962.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 May 2013|access-date=1 September 2012|newspaper=TradeArabia |date=23 August 2009}}

On 31 August, a 30-year-old Filipino housemaid died after contracting the H1N1 virus, becoming Bahrain's first confirmed death as a result of the virus.{{cite news|title=Bahrain reports first swine flu death.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-206967462.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517135217/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-206967462.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 May 2013|access-date=1 September 2012|newspaper=TradeArabia |date=31 August 2009}} On 3 September, it was reported that a 24-year-old Bahraini man died after succumbing to the H1N1 virus, being the first Bahraini to die of the disease.{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-207204800.html|title=Second flu death in Bahrain.|date=3 September 2009|newspaper=Trade Arabia |access-date=1 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517154053/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-207204800.html|archive-date=17 May 2013}} On 8 September, it was announced that patients with flu-like symptoms would be treated with Tamiflu nationwide, regardless of having a fever or not. It was also announced that a million doses of the swine flu vaccine were ordered.{{cite news|title=Bahrain to treat all flu patients with Tamiflu.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-207493455.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517154033/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-207493455.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 May 2013|access-date=1 September 2012|newspaper=TradeArabia|date=8 September 2009}} The Bahraini Ministry of Education had decided to postpone the opening of schools until October as a precaution, a decision that drew criticism from the World Health Organization.{{cite news|title=WHO raps Bahrain schools delay.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-207493512.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517153610/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-207493512.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 May 2013|access-date=1 September 2012|newspaper=TradeArabia |date=9 September 2009}} In November 2009, the government stated that up to 1,346 cases of the H1N1 virus were confirmed in the country, along with 15,000 suspected cases of the virus.{{cite web|title=Flu cases top 1,346 in Bahrain.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-212821133.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517145437/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-212821133.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 May 2013|publisher=TradeArabia|access-date=1 September 2012}}

As of 22 August 98 cases of the A (H1N1) virus were confirmed in Bangladesh.{{Cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/22/content_11926144.htm |title=Number of A/H1N1 flu cases up to 98 in Bangladesh_English_Xinhua |access-date=22 August 2009 |archive-date=28 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828032128/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/22/content_11926144.htm |url-status=dead }}

On 1 May 2009 Chairman of Global Human Flu Prevention and Response Work Committee Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo inspected preventive measures against the human flu at Yangon International Airport, Burma (also known as Myanmar). On 27 June, Burmese state-run Radio Myanmar confirmed the first case of influenza A/H1N1 – a 13-year-old girl who just returned from a trip to Singapore.{{cite web| url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/90880/6687904.html| title=Myanmar reports first A/H1N1 flu| date=28 June 2009| publisher=The People's Daily| access-date=22 October 2009| archive-date=5 August 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805115821/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/90880/6687904.html| url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090627-701432.html |title=Myanmar Confirms First H1N1 Case |date=27 June 2009 |publisher=Wall Street Journal |access-date=22 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701091810/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090627-701432.html |archive-date=1 July 2009 }}

File:H1N1 China map.svg

{{See also|Disease surveillance in China}}

The first suspected case found on mainland China was reported on 11 May 2009.{{cite web | last=Branigan | first=Tania | title=China confirms first swine flu case | website=the Guardian | date=2009-05-11 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/may/11/china-swine-flu | access-date=2024-07-14}} As of 29 July 2009, the number of confirmed A/H1N1 cases on the Chinese mainland topped 2,000, with no deaths or serious cases reported, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). Of the total 2,003 confirmed cases, 1,853 had recovered, said a statement on the MOH website.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China issued an emergency notice on the evening of 26 April that visitors returning from flu-affected areas who experienced flu-like symptoms within two weeks would be quarantined.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/europeCrisis/idUST344175|title=FACTBOX-Asia moves to ward off new flu virus|publisher=Reuters|date=9 February 2009|access-date=26 April 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090430041910/https://www.reuters.com/article/europeCrisis/idUST344175| archive-date= 30 April 2009 | url-status= live}}

In early September 2009, China's State Food and Drug Administration granted approval to a homegrown swine flu vaccine, which producer Sinovac Biotech claimed to be effective after only one dose.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/03/content_11990303.htm |publisher=Xinhua |title=China's Sinovac gets world's first production license for A/H1N1 flu vaccine |access-date=8 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812022059/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/03/content_11990303.htm |archive-date=12 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/china-approves-homegrown-swine-flu-vaccine-20090903-f9cr.html |title=(The Sydney Morning Herald) |date=3 September 2009 |access-date=8 September 2009 |archive-date=6 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906151507/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/china-approves-homegrown-swine-flu-vaccine-20090903-f9cr.html |url-status=live }}

On 4 January 2010, the Chinese Health Ministry announced that 659 deaths from swine flu have been recorded in 2009, with 120,940 confirmed detected cases throughout the year.{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_473482.html|title=China records 659 flu deaths|last=Breaking News|first=AFP|date=4 January 2010|work=The Straits Times|access-date=9 January 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100108053233/http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_473482.html| archive-date= 8 January 2010 | url-status= dead}}

Cyprus identified its first case of H1N1 on 30 May in a 39-year-old woman from Moldova, living in Cyprus, who returned from the United States on 28 May. As of 11 July 250 cases were confirmed in Cyprus.{{cite web |title=Outbreak of influenza A(H1N1) virus |url=http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/Health_topics/novel_influenza_virus/2009_Outbreak/Outbreak_new_table.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716071005/http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/Health_topics/novel_influenza_virus/2009_Outbreak/Outbreak_new_table.aspx |archive-date=16 July 2009 |website=European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control}}

{{Main|2009 swine flu pandemic in Hong Kong}}

File:H1N1 Hong Kong Map.svg

File:Hong Kong H1N1 cumulative frequency.png

File:HK MetroparkHotelWanchai swine flu 2.jpg

The Food and Health Bureau of Hong Kong issued travel advice for Mexico on 26 April 2009, which advised Hong Kong residents not to travel to Mexico unless absolutely necessary. The first case reported was a Mexican who flew in from Shanghai. The Bureau also escalated the alert level from "alert" to "serious" on the same day,{{cite web |url=http://sc.info.gov.hk/gb/www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/090426/html/090426en05004.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429175100/http://sc.info.gov.hk/gb/www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/090426/html/090426en05004.htm |archive-date=29 April 2009 |title=Swine flu alert raised to 'serious' |publisher=Sc.info.gov.hk |date=26 April 2009 |access-date=2 May 2009 |url-status=dead }} which activated health protection measures in all ports of entry of Hong Kong. As such, temperature screening machines were used at all checkpoints to identify passengers with fever and respiratory symptoms. Any passenger who failed the temperature test and was confirmed as having a fever was quarantined and sent to public hospital for further investigation.{{cite web|url=http://www.fhb.gov.hk/en/press_and_publications/press/2009/press090426a.htm|title=Secretary for Food and Health on the issue of swine flu (press releases)|date=26 April 2009|publisher=Fhb.gov.hk|access-date=2 May 2009|archive-date=30 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430001120/http://www.fhb.gov.hk/en/press_and_publications/press/2009/press090426a.htm|url-status=live}} Hong Kong also became one of the first jurisdictions to declare swine flu as a notifiable disease, and much of the procedures against the spread of the swine flu were learned from the 2003 SARS outbreak, of which Hong Kong was the epicenter of the outbreak.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/425512/1/.html|title=HK steps up SARS-like emergency precautions against swine flu|last=Tang|first=Leslie|date=28 April 2009|publisher=Channel News Asia|access-date=29 April 2009|archive-date=2 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202044822/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/425512/1/.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1894072,00.html?iid=tsmodule |title=The Lessons from SARS |last=Webley |first=Kayla |date=27 April 2009 |publisher=Time |access-date=29 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430111642/http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0%2C8599%2C1894072%2C00.html?iid=tsmodule |archive-date=30 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}

The Secretary for Food and Health York Chow stated that special attention will be paid to passengers who came from countries where human infection of swine influenza cases were reported.

On 1 May, one case became the first confirmed case of swine flu in Hong Kong and also the first in Asia after being tested positive by the University of Hong Kong and the Department of Health of Hong Kong. The Mexican patient, who travelled with two companions from Mexico to Hong Kong with a stopover in Shanghai Pudong Airport, arrived in Hong Kong on 30 April. Metropark Hotel Wanchai, where the patient stayed, was cordoned off by the police and health officials from the Centre for Health Protection.{{cite web |url=http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?main&20090501&56&578437 |title=Emergency in force after case confirmed| publisher=Radio Television Hong Kong |date=1 May 2009 |access-date=1 May 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090503091908/http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?main&20090501&56&578437| archive-date= 3 May 2009 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST24603| title=Hong Kong govt confirms first H1N1 flu case | publisher=Reuters |date=1 May 2009 |access-date=1 May 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090503210320/https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST24603| archive-date= 3 May 2009 | url-status= live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aKgrGEIztqyQ&refer=asia| title=Hong Kong Confirms Swine Flu Case, Declares Emergency | publisher=Bloomberg |date=1 May 2009 |access-date=1 May 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://www.chp.gov.hk/view_content.asp?lang=en&info_id=16785| title=SFH on human swine flu press conference on 1/5 | publisher=Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong|date=1 May 2009| access-date= 22 October 2009 }} All 350 guests and hotel staff had to remain inside the hotel for seven days. After the first swine flu case was confirmed by laboratory, Chief Executive Sir Donald Tsang raised Hong Kong's response level from "serious" to "emergency".{{cite web|url=http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/090501/html/090501en05004.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604011212/http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/090501/html/090501en05004.htm |archive-date=4 June 2009 |title=1st H1N1 case confirmed in HK |publisher=News.gov.hk |access-date=2 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}

As of 27 August 2009, there have been 10,468 confirmed cases of swine flu in the city.{{cite web |url=http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/Daily_update_on_swine_influenza_bilingual.pdf |title=Update on Human Swine Influenza |publisher=Centre for Health Protection |date=14 June 2009 |access-date=27 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807164252/http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/Daily_update_on_swine_influenza_bilingual.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2009 |url-status=dead }}

File:H1N1 India map.svg

{{Main|2009 swine flu pandemic in India}}

The Government of India decided to screen all people entering India via the main airport hubs of Mumbai, New Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, with the primary focus being passengers entering from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, France, and New Zealand.

All in all, 50,000 people were affected by the virus, with 2,700 confirmed deaths.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41034038|title=India swine flu deaths rise above 1,000|date=24 August 2017|access-date=1 January 2020|language=en-GB|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218232913/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41034038|url-status=live}}

File:H1N1 in Indonesia.svg

After a coordination meeting about the flu on 27 April 2009, the Indonesian government halted the importation of pigs and initiated the examination of 9 million pigs in Indonesia.{{cite web|url=http://nasional.kompas.com/read/xml/2009/04/27/11120229/cegah.flu.babi.pemerintah.gelar.rapat.koordinasi|title=Cegah flu babi, pemerintah gelar rapat koordinasi|date=27 April 2009|publisher=Kompas newspaper|access-date=22 October 2009|archive-date=1 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501235943/http://nasional.kompas.com/read/xml/2009/04/27/11120229/cegah.flu.babi.pemerintah.gelar.rapat.koordinasi|url-status=live}} Thermal scanners, which can detect human body temperature, were installed at Indonesian ports of entry. Temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) cause the devices to beep, indicating fever.

As of 18 August 2009, one death was reported.

File:H1N1 Israel map.svg

Over 4000 cases were confirmed in Israel, and over 60 people died.{{Cite news| url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3813353,00.html| title=76-year-old man dies of swine flu| newspaper=Ynetnews| year=2009| access-date=2 December 2009| archive-date=1 July 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701035834/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3813353,00.html| url-status=live}} In response to the outbreak, the Israeli Deputy Minister of Health, Yaakov Litzman, said that because swine are unclean, the outbreak needed to be renamed; and so in Israel, out of respect for the religious sensibilities of Muslims, it was called "Mexican Flu". This was done so as to not confuse the population into thinking that they could not acquire the virus if they did not eat pork.BBC News, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8021301.stm "Israel renames unkosher swine flu"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430130529/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8021301.stm |date=30 April 2009 }}, 27 April 2009 . Retrieved 28 April 2009.Yahoo News, [https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090427/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_odd_israel_kosher_flu;_ylt=AoAo.o5QnYgbst8ovND83ANvaA8F "Israeli official: Swine flu name offensive"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502072711/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090427/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_odd_israel_kosher_flu |date=2 May 2009 }}, Associated Press, 27 April 2009 . Retrieved 28 April 2009. The Israeli government retracted this proposal following Mexican complaints.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/apr/28/mexican-swine-flu-pork-name |title=What's in a name? Governments debate 'swine flu' versus 'Mexican flu' | World news ||work=The Guardian|date= 28 April 2009|access-date=30 April 2009 | location=London | first=Ed | last=Pilkington| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090501104953/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/28/mexican-swine-flu-pork-name| archive-date= 1 May 2009 | url-status= live}}

File:H1N1 Japan Map.svg

{{Main|2009 swine flu pandemic in Japan}}

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan instructed animal quarantine offices across Japan to examine any live pigs being brought into Japan to make sure they were not infected with the influenza.{{cite news|url=http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=435522 |title=Japan on high alert for swine flu after outbreak in Mexico |publisher=Kyodo News |date=26 April 2009 |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429203043/http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=435522 |archive-date=29 April 2009 |url-status=dead }} Japanese Agriculture Minister Shigeru Ishiba appeared on television to reassure customers that it was safe to eat pork.[http://english.cna.com.tw/SearchNews/doDetail.aspx?id=200904280012 MOFA issues red travel alert for Mexico on swine fluu]. CNA {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429235551/http://english.cna.com.tw/SearchNews/doDetail.aspx?id=200904280012|date=29 April 2009}} The Japanese farm ministry said that it would not ask for restrictions on pork imports because the virus was unlikely to turn up in pork, and would be killed by cooking.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/europeCrisis/idUST344175 |title=FACTBOX-Asia moves to ward off new flu virus |date=26 April 2009 |work=Reuters |access-date=22 October 2009 |archive-date=30 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430041910/https://www.reuters.com/article/europeCrisis/idUST344175 |url-status=live }}

On 8 May, the first three cases were confirmed. The infected patients had spent time in Oakville, Canada and returned to Japan via Detroit.{{cite news |title=Japáo confirma primeiros três casos de gripe H1N1 |url=http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/mat/2009/05/08/japao-confirma-primeiros-tres-casos-de-gripe-h1n1-755778368.asp |agency=O Globo |date=8 May 2009 |access-date=8 May 2009 |language=pt |archive-date=15 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615094915/http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/mat/2009/05/08/japao-confirma-primeiros-tres-casos-de-gripe-h1n1-755778368.asp |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Japan confirms 3 cases of new flu strain |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST50010 |publisher=Reuters |date=8 May 2009 |access-date=9 May 2009 |first=Yoko |last=Kubota |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515232344/https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST50010 |archive-date=15 May 2009 |url-status=live }} On 10 May, another case was confirmed from a student who came from a school trip to Canada, making it the fourth case in Japan.{{cite news|title=NHK- Japan Confirms 4th Case of Swine Flu |url=http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7824:japan-records1st-swine-flu-case&catid=34:guam&Itemid=141 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715100127/http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7824%3Ajapan-records1st-swine-flu-case&catid=34%3Aguam&Itemid=141 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2009 |agency=Pacific News Center |date=10 May 2009 |access-date=10 May 2009 }}

There have been 944 case confirmed in Japan as of 24 June 2009.{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/04/content_11486526.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809133818/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/04/content_11486526.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 August 2011 |title=Patients of A/H1N1 flu amount to 410 in Japan |publisher=Xinhua |date=4 June 2009 |access-date=4 June 2009}}

On 2 July, the first case of oseltamivir-resistant virus in Asia was announced in Japan, in a woman who had been taking Tamiflu prophylactically.Reuters, [https://www.reuters.com/article/internal_ReutersNewsRoom_ExclusivesAndWins_MOLT/idUSTRE5614TW20090702 "Japan finds first case of H1N1 resistant to Tamiflu"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122160032/https://www.reuters.com/article/internal_ReutersNewsRoom_ExclusivesAndWins_MOLT/idUSTRE5614TW20090702 |date=22 November 2020 }}, Yoko Kubota, 2 July 2009

The first cases of A (H1N1) virus were discovered in 3 students from the capital Astana according to Natalia Buenko, an advisor to the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan.{{cite web| url=http://www.kt.kz/index.php?lang=eng&uin=1133435434&chapter=1153492722| title=Three students diagnosed with А/Н1N1 in Astana| date=23 June 2009| publisher=Kazakhstan Today| access-date=22 October 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722142712/http://www.kt.kz/index.php?lang=eng&uin=1133435434&chapter=1153492722| archive-date=22 July 2011| url-status=dead}}

File:H1N1 Laos map.svg

The Lao government agreed to buy 10 thermal imaging machines and install them at the country's major immigration border checkpoints. The machines would help officials identify anyone entering the country with a high temperature and create confidence among Laotians, foreigners living in Laos and people traveling to Laos. Health officials would be on hand at international border checkpoints to ensure anyone found to be infected could be treated immediately. Each machine could cost about US$25,000. The decision to buy them was made after the government found visitors to Laos included people coming from the United States, Spain and other affected countries.

The Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh said masks should be made available and health officials would be assigned to work at border checkpoints. Health officials would be on hand at international border checkpoints to ensure anyone found to be infected could be treated immediately. On 18 June, the first case in Laos was confirmed.

{{cite web|title=Govt to make swine flu border checks|url=http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/Free_Govt.htm|work=Vientiane Times|access-date=29 April 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090502010026/http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/Free_Govt.htm| archive-date= 2 May 2009 | url-status= live}}

A Lebanese man suffering from a serious illness died from the H1N1 swine flu strain on Thursday 30 July 2009, which makes the first death in Lebanon, Health Minister Mohammad Khalifeh told Reuters. The 30-year-old victim had been receiving treatment for leukemia when he contracted the virus, possibly from relatives who had just traveled from Australia to Lebanon, the minister said. Lebanon has recorded more than 100 cases of H1N1.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/internal_ReutersNewsRoom_ExclusivesAndWins_MOLT/idUSTRE56T6CJ20090730|title=Lebanon records first H1N1 death|publisher=Reuters|access-date=30 July 2009|date=30 July 2009|archive-date=2 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802133556/http://www.reuters.com/article/internal_ReutersNewsRoom_ExclusivesAndWins_MOLT/idUSTRE56T6CJ20090730|url-status=live}}

{{Main|2009 flu pandemic in Malaysia}}

File:H1N1 Malaysia map.svg

Malaysia detected the first case of influenza A(H1N1) on 15 May 2009 in a 21-year-old student who returned from the United States.{{cite web| url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/15/nation/20090515141134| title=Malaysia confirms first case of A(H1N1) flu (Update 2)| date=15 May 2009| publisher=TheStar Online| access-date=22 October 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519121627/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F5%2F15%2Fnation%2F20090515141134| archive-date=19 May 2009| url-status=dead}} As of 11 August 2009 there were 2,253 confirmed cases in Malaysia.{{cite web| url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_415256.html| title=6 new flu deaths in M'sia| date=11 August 2009| work=Straits Times| access-date=22 October 2009| archive-date=14 August 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814173307/http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_415256.html| url-status=live}} The Health Ministry announced that from 12 August 2009 they had discontinued the counting of the total number of H1N1 cases in line with guidelines issued by the World Health Organization.{{cite web|url=http://h1n1.moh.gov.my/ |title=Influenza A(H1N1): Death toll now 68 |date=20 August 2009 |publisher=Malaysia Ministry of Health |access-date=22 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727164253/http://h1n1.moh.gov.my/ |archive-date=27 July 2009 }}

The first death from H1N1 flu virus was confirmed on 19 November.{{cite web | title=Maldives confirms first H1N1 flu death | website=Reuters | date=2009-11-19 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/economy/maldives-confirms-first-h1n1-flu-death-idUSCOL371871/ | access-date=2024-07-03}}

File:H1N1 Mongolia Map.svg

The Mongolian Health Ministry sought to prevent the spread of swine flu in Mongolia by urging people to avoid public places.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mongolia-web.com/health/2384-mongolia-quarantines-air-passengers-following-swine-flu-alert- |title=Mongolia quarantines air passengers following swine flu alert {{!}} Mongolia Web News |access-date=6 October 2009 |archive-date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117180950/http://www.mongolia-web.com/health/2384-mongolia-quarantines-air-passengers-following-swine-flu-alert- |url-status=live }}

As of 22 October 126 cases were confirmed in Mongolia. Just after seven days, the number increased to 394 with five deaths.

File:H1N1 North korea map.png

Most defectors with backgrounds in health care agree that, considering the isolation of North Korean society and its highly inadequate health care system, incidents of swine flu are likely to be either suppressed or merely misdiagnosed.

Following the confirmation of the first case of the disease in Mongolia, heightened concerns arose.

On 16 November, the first known case was confirmed by the Ministry of Unification, released in a report by Korea Times. The first case was confirmed in a South Korean worker in Gaeseong Industrial Complex.{{Cite web |url=http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/h5n1/2009/11/north-koreas-first-h1n1-case-is-a-south-korean.html?no_prefetch=1 |title=H5N1: North Korea's first H1N1 case is a South Korean |access-date=9 December 2009 |archive-date=4 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204071456/http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/h5n1/2009/11/north-koreas-first-h1n1-case-is-a-south-korean.html?no_prefetch=1 |url-status=live }}

As of 13 August 2009, 337 cases have been confirmed by the National Pandemic Influenza Committee in Oman.

There were 90 confirmed cases as of 26 January 2010.[http://geo.tv/1-27-2010/57936.htm Four new H1N1 cases confirmed in Karachi – GEO.tv] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923124808/http://geo.tv/1-27-2010/57936.htm |date=23 September 2011 }}

File:Ph AH1N1 map.PNG

{{Main|2009 flu pandemic in the Philippines}}

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III ordered the Bureau of Quarantine to use thermal imaging equipment at airports to screen passengers coming from the US for flu symptoms.{{cite web|url=http://mb.com.ph/articles/203772/quarantine-screening-us-passengers-ordered|title=Quarantine screening of US passengers ordered | Manila Bulletin|publisher=Mb.com.ph|access-date=26 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429172557/http://mb.com.ph/articles/203772/quarantine-screening-us-passengers-ordered|archive-date=29 April 2009|url-status=dead}}[http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/266059,philippines-steps-up-airport-screening-against-swine-flu.html The Philippines' may quarantine travelers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829121615/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/266059,philippines-steps-up-airport-screening-against-swine-flu.html |date=29 August 2012 }} with Swine flu Symptoms The Philippines may quarantine travelers arriving from Mexico with fevers.{{cite news|url=http://wtop.com/?nid=383&sid=1660299|title=WHO declares international concern over swine flu|author=Frank Jordans|date=25 April 2009|agency=Associated Press|access-date=22 October 2009|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211052742/https://wtop.com/?nid=383&sid=1660299|url-status=live}} Also, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture issued an order banning the importation of hogs from the U.S. and Mexico, and the retraction of the restriction of swine influenza vaccine use.{{cite web|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/25/09/rp-bans-pork-hogs-us-mexico|title=RP bans pork, hogs from US, Mexico|publisher=ABS-CBN|date=26 April 2009|access-date=26 April 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090427102102/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/25/09/rp-bans-pork-hogs-us-mexico| archive-date= 27 April 2009 | url-status= live}} The medical alert phase is already Code White, the lowest.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/29/content_11282377.htm|title=Philippines on high alert against swine flu|publisher=news.xinhuanet.com|access-date=1 May 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090502215746/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/29/content_11282377.htm| archive-date= 2 May 2009 | url-status= dead}}

On 18 May 2009, a Filipina girl who arrived from Houston, Texas, United States was the first confirmed case of H1N1 virus in the Philippines.

The highest confirmed in one day was on 24 June 2009 with 131 cases.{{Cite web |url=http://quintessentialy.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/131-new-h1n1-cases-total-up-to-604-%E2%80%93-doh/ |title=131 new H1N1 cases, total up to 604 |access-date=21 February 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801053844/https://quintessentialy.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/131-new-h1n1-cases-total-up-to-604-%e2%80%93-doh/ |url-status=live }} The next day, the confirmed cases added was 123. Because of that, the Department of Health ordered the people that should get swab tests are the only people with very complicated cases (e.g. with lung disorders, hearth disorders, babies etc.). The government said that the very fast spreading of the disease was caused by the population density of the country.

{{Further|2009 flu pandemic in Europe#Russia{{!}}2009 flu pandemic in Europe}}

By 17 August, there have been about 2,000 cases of the flu, resulting in 14 deaths.

On 30 April 2009, the Singapore Ministry of Health raised its Disease Outbreak Response System to "Alert Orange". The first case of the H1N1 virus in Singapore was confirmed on 27 May 2009, in which a then 22-year-old woman picked up the virus after visiting New York City, United States.{{cite news |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/27/nation/20090527113303&sec=nation |title=Singapore records first A (H1N1) flu case |date=27 May 2009 |newspaper=The Star |access-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907173739/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F5%2F27%2Fnation%2F20090527113303&sec=nation |archive-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead }} As of 7 July 2009, there were 1,217 confirmed cases.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/21/content_11574449.htm |title=Singapore confirms 23 new flu A/ H1N1 cases |date=21 June 2009 |publisher=xinhua |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623081233/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/21/content_11574449.htm |archive-date=23 June 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=8 September 2009 }} As of 17 October 2009, there were 18 confirmed deaths from the H1N1 virus in Singapore.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/22/content_11755009.htm |title=Singapore reports two more A/H1N1 related deaths |date=22 June 2009 |publisher=xinhua |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830202245/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/22/content_11755009.htm |archive-date=30 August 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=8 September 2009 }} On 12 February 2010, the Singapore Ministry of Health moved its alert level to Green.{{cite web |url=https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/reverting-to-green-alert-status-for-influenza-a-(h1n1)-pandemic |title=Reverting to Green Alert Status for Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic |date=12 February 2010 |website=Ministry of Health (Singapore) |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217102214/https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/reverting-to-green-alert-status-for-influenza-a-(h1n1)-pandemic |url-status=live }}

The first case of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) was confirmed on 16 June 2009 in Sri Lanka.

On 28 April, South Korea reported its first probable case of swine flu after positive preliminary tests on a nun who had recently returned from a trip to Mexico.[http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090428-138037.html SKorean woman 'probably' has swine flu: health agency. From Asiaone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501052609/http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090428-138037.html |date=1 May 2009 }}, 28 April 2009.

South Korea became the third infected nation in Asia, after Israel and Hong Kong. On 15 August, the first Korean death by the new influenza was confirmed and a second death was announced on 16 August. Around late November 2009, there was a double cases from the US.

Around 15000 cases and 14 deaths have been reported as of 12 October 2009.

{{Main|2009 flu pandemic in Taiwan}}

File:H1N1 Taiwan map.svg

On 20 May 2009, the first case of the influenza was confirmed in Taiwan.[http://www.chinapost.com.tw/health/infectious-diseases/2009/05/20/208865/Taiwan-issues.htm Taiwan issues phase 2 warning after 1st swine flu case confirmed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521131546/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/health/infectious-diseases/2009/05/20/208865/Taiwan%2Dissues.htm |date=21 May 2009 }}. The China Post

There were 5,474 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Taiwan.[http://english.cna.com.tw/SearchNews/doDetail.aspx?id=200904280023 Taiwan to launch on-board flu checks on flights from America]. CNA {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724012333/http://english.cna.com.tw/SearchNews/doDetail.aspx?id=200904280023 |date=24 July 2009 }}

File:H1N1 Thailand map.png

File:H1N1 Turkey Map.svg

{{main|2009 flu pandemic in Turkey}}

The first case of A(H1N1) in Turkey was reported on 16 May 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.eturbonews.com/9304/swine-flu-arrives-turkey-6-tourists-quarantine |title=Swine flu arrives in Turkey: 6 tourists in quarantine |publisher=eturbonews.com |date=17 May 2009 |access-date=20 May 2009 |archive-date=10 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710205515/http://www.eturbonews.com/9304/swine-flu-arrives-turkey-6-tourists-quarantine |url-status=live }} A U.S. citizen, flying from the United States via Amsterdam was found to be suffering from the swine flu after arriving Istanbul's Atatürk International Airport.{{cite web|url=http://www.turkishny.com/en/english-news/8098-first-case-of-swine-flu-confirmed-in-turkey-health-minister.html |title=First case of swine flu confirmed in Turkey |publisher=turkishny.com |date=16 May 2009 |access-date=13 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519053214/http://www.turkishny.com/en/english-news/8098-first-case-of-swine-flu-confirmed-in-turkey-health-minister.html |archive-date=19 May 2009 |url-status=dead }} Turkey is the 36th country in the world to report an incident of swine flu. The Turkish Government has taken measures at the international airports, using thermal imaging cameras to check passengers coming from international destinations.{{cite web |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=173724 |title=Alarmed by swine flu, Turkey takes immediate action |publisher=Todayszaman.com |date=28 April 2009 |access-date=20 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507152927/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=173724 |archive-date=7 May 2009 |url-status=dead }} As of 11 August, there were 312 confirmed cases in Turkey.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090821134309/http://www.grip.saglik.gov.tr/11082009-tarihli-aciklama-id320-8.html Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Sağlık Bakanlığı (Ministry of Health)] As of 24 October, there is 1 confirmed death in Turkey. It is reported by Ministry of Health that one person died in Ankara. In addition, there are 958 confirmed cases in Turkey.NTVMSNBC http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25014042/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027011326/http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25014042 |date=27 October 2009 }}

File:H1N1 Vietnam map.jpg

On 31 May 2009, The government of Vietnam announced its first case of A (H1N1) virus in the country.

As of 4 July 2009 there have been reported 7 cases of A(H1N1) flu in Yemen.{{cite web|url=http://www.yobserver.com/local-news/10016778.html|title=Health Ministry announces the country's 7th case of swine flu|publisher=Yemen Observer|access-date=4 July 2009|archive-date=9 February 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209215752/http://www.yobserver.com/local-news/10016778.html|url-status=usurped}}

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{{2009 swine flu}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2009 Flu Pandemic in Asia}}

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