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Beijingers critical of flu patient's frequent exposure

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-16 14:27

An H1N1 patient in Beijing has drawn much criticism from the public after it emerged that she had gone to numerous public places in the capital, even though she developed possible symptoms of the flu after returning from Canada.

The unidentified patient, a 21-year-old woman who returned on June 7, felt dizzy two days later and went to the Civil Aviation General Hospital last Wednesday. As her temperature then was 36.3 degrees Celsius, doctors let her go.

Full coverage:  A（H1N1）Influenza Outbreak Related readings: Mainland reports 41 new flu cases Flu cases surge over weekend Beijing to add new hospital against A(H1N1) flu Risk of A(H1N1) flu spreading rising China outlines tighter flu measures

Hours later, she began to cough and her symptoms worsened. Last Friday, she consulted another hospital and was quarantined. She became the 39th confirmed H1N1 patient in Beijing.

The Beijing Municipal Health Bureau issued a notice to those returning  from overseas on May 17, suggesting that they avoid public contact for the first week after returning.

It turned out, however, that this patient had ignored this advice and taken subways, taxis and buses throughout the eastern part of the city.

In footage shown Sunday on China Central Television, one older man was shown saying: "She posed a hidden threat to many people." An elderly woman said: "Those who have returned from overseas should restrain themselves."

The 14th H1N1 patient in Beijing, surnamed He, was also the subject of some controversy after it was reported that he traveled widely in Beijing after developing symptoms.

As of 6 p.m. Monday, China had reported 226 confirmed H1N1 cases in the mainland, according to the Health Ministry. Eighty-six of the patients had been discharged; the rest were still being treated.