China has developed a new way to detect the A/HIN1 virus. The method tests 36 people at the same time and it means China is well prepared for any potential outbreak.
Doctors take samples of saliva from people who are suspected to be infected with A/HIN1 flu. After a series of tests, the results are known within hours.
Chen Suhong, Assoc. Research Fellow of Chinese Academy of Military Medicine Science, said, "This A/HIN1 detection technology is used to confirm whether one carries the virus or not. The approach can test 36 cases simultaneously. And it takes us only about two hours to carry out the test, much shorter than the current 16 hours. It's quick and accurate."
This technology can deal with possible mutations of the A/HIN1 virus. Chen says this is just one part of the experiments that are being used to ward off a potential flu outbreak.
It appears many members of the public are not as concerned about this flu as they were during the outbreak of SARS and bird flu.
Migrant worker Cao MIn said, "I am not panicking. I wash my hands frequently to prevent it."
Beijing resident Zhao Xin said, "I am a little bit worried about the flu. But I believe it will not be wide spread in China as long as we are well prepared to prevent it."
Dr. Chen says she and her colleagues are working to develop a vaccine, but it will take time.
(CCTV May 5, 2009)
