Luckily the H1N1 virus is unable to survive a long period of time; less than one hour on raw pork, 5 minutes on hand. Although this greatly reduce its lethality, we should continue exercising good hygiene; as the saying goes "Prevention is STILL better than cure."
SINGAPORE: Health experts in Singapore say the H1N1 virus does not survive long on raw pork - less than one hour, in fact. Hence, the risk of human transmission is very slim. This is especially so for places with humid climates, like Singapore.
The Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) says heat kills the virus faster compared to temperate regions.
Even if the virus gets transferred to humans during the handling of raw meat, experts say that as long as you don't touch respiratory tracts like your nose and mouth, an infection is highly unlikely.
Furthermore, the H1N1 virus survives for only five minutes on hands.
Authorities assure the public that it is safe to eat pork, after H1N1 was found in some live pigs imported from Indonesia's Pulau Bulan.
Dr Lee Cheng Chuan, a senior consultant at CDC, said: "Infected pigs can transmit the flu virus to humans but this usually occurs under close contact with pigs. Those people who work with pigs in pig farms or those people who slaughter pigs can get flu from pigs, but not the end users - those people who eat the meat."
-extracted from CNA
[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1003230/1/.html]
~Jotting down my memories, creating new life's chapter~
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