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Monday, October 26, 2009

Agong Advises Haj Pilgrims To Observe Hygiene To Prevent H1N1 Infection

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today advised the 26,000 Malaysian Haj pilgrims this year to observe personal hygiene and cleanliness of their surroundings while in the Holy Land in order to check the spread of Influenza A(H1N1).

The King also advised the pilgrims to be patient at all times when performing the fifth tenet (Haj) of Islam as they would be facing the tests from Allah, besides protecting the image and good name of their country.

"The Raja Permaisuri and I pray that you will have a perfect Haj, be in good health and return home safely," Tuanku Mizan said in his speech to bid bon voyage to the second group of Haj pilgrims numbering 350 at the Tabung Haji Complex in Kelana Jaya, near here.

Also present were Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, Saudi Arabian ambassador to Malaysia Mohamed Reda Abu Al-Hamayel and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom.

Later at a press conference, Jamil Khir said Malaysia had once again gained recognition from the Saudi Arabian government for Tabung Haji's ability in providing the best pilgrim management service.

He said the Saudi Arabian government had chosen Malaysia to be the yardstick for all aspects of pilgrim management and urged the other countries to adopt the Malaysian model.

On the Malaysian pilgrims, Jamil Khir said although all of them had taken the seasonal influenza vaccine jabs as a precaution, they must strictly observe personal hygiene and the suggested measures to prevent Influenza A(H1N1).

As an added precaution, he said, Tabung Haji's medical team complete with specialists and sufficient equipment was already in Mecca to face any possibility.

Today, 1,082 Haj pilgrims left or will be leaving for the Holy Land from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The first batch of 382 pilgrims departed at 3.30am and the second batch (350) this afternoon, while the third batch (350) will leave tonight.

Besides KLIA, departures on board Malaysia Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines for Haj pilgrims will also be from Kuala Terengganu, Penang, Johor Baharu, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

-- BERNAMA
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Friday, October 16, 2009

Malaysia-Today.net - No Holds Barred, Corridors of Power and more ...

Independent news portal about Malaysia Malaysian issues Malaysian politics. ... PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry is spending RM14mil to purchase 400000 doses of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine. so can anyone tell me how many millions will go into which deep pockets? smilies/tongue.gif. Is there a 10% minister? report abuse. disagree 1. agree 7 ... written by raven1958, October 14, 2009 14:27:58. This is why Malaysians need to buy Health Insurance. ...
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Monday, September 28, 2009

Tourists arrival up 4.4% despite flu and global downturn

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourists arrival to Malaysia has gone up by 4.4% in the first eight months of the year compared with the same period last year.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said this was despite the outbreak of the Influenza A(H1N1) and the global economic downturn.

From January to last month, the number of tourists to Malaysia increased to 15.38 million from 14.73 million during the same period last year.

In August alone, tourist arrivals rose by 10.4% to 2.03 million from 1.84 million last year.

“This is an encouraging figure,” said Dr Ng after launching the ministry’s 1Malaysia logo here yesterday.

“This shows that foreign visitors are visiting Malaysia although it is a challenging time now.”

She said tourists from China increased by 14.8% (104,473 people) in August alone, while visitors from Taiwan rose by 30.4% (26,032), Australia, 26.6% (42,969), Britain 16.5% (44.519) and the United States 1.4% (19,557).

Tourists from Singapore increased by 22% (1.09 million) and India by 1.3% (42,332), while visitors from Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea dropped by 5.2% (114,555), 9.9% (181,634) and 15.2% (23,305) respectively.

Dr Ng said tourists from Saudi Arabia and the UAE also decreased by 41.8% and 66.8% to 8,366 and 1,880 respectively due to the Ramadan month. But tourists from Iran increased by 47.9% to 9,470.

Although tourists from most of the popular countries increased, the occupancy rate at local hotels dropped by 3% from January to August compared with last year.

“The decrease shows that visitors are mostly staying with their friends or relatives as well as going for home stay,” Dr Ng said.

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Friday, September 25, 2009

H1N1 in Malaysia



H1N1 has been kind of everywhere and subdued at the same time really.

I mean, you see people with surgical masks but at the same time, the government complained that awareness about H1N1 was still low among the population despite massive campaigns in the radio, on the newspapers and at the workplace.

A poster with nine separate picures gives you instructions on how to properly wash your hands and is strategically placed on the outside of the toilet door so you can read it while you wait. Also, there are additional notices in both English and Malay as well as huge dispensers of desinfectant gel where many people pass by.



It is always possble to bump into people wearing masks, in the street, in the mall, in the plane, at the work place and it is a totally normal sight. Some people have the tendncy to wear mask as a fashion, on every occasion, I mean as an amulet, even though they are not sick; you are only supposed to wear them to prevent infecting others when you have flu-like symptoms; they don't work the other way round! But then other people see you and get a mask too and the next person, and the next peron. Panic for nothing.

I mean all I know about H1N1 is that you avoid close contact, especially in train stations, airports and well, you do want to take that extra steo when the person behind you on the escalator is coughing. You're supposed to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and stay away from the work place or school if you have flu-like symptoms. In that case, open windows at home to air frequently to reduce any microbiotic activity. Minimise your contact with people and make a list of people who visit you (or go shopping for you).

Asia's response was pretty quick and they were said to be better prepared for this than many Western countries because of the Avian flu outbreak a while ago. Whenever you take a plane, you are given yellow forms from the respective health ministries, asking you to tick if you had any of the following symptoms recently (iecoughing, sneezing, rash, diarrhea). If you ticked yes to any, you are asked to report to the health officer at arrival and are reminded that if you give any wrong statements, you incriminate yourself and can be put into jail, penalised with a fine etc. etc. You have to give flight/bus/ferry/vehicle number, seat number, basic biodata and origin and destination of your journey on arrival, you hand it to the health officers (placed before immigration counters, interestingly) while a thermal camera scans the crowds for abnormal temperature.You may find that a lot of airport personnel from the check-in desk to security, cleaning and shop attendants are wearing a mask. If this makes you nervous, you can still walk into a souvenir confectionery shop and find a mask to buy between the durian sweets and the cashew nuts, like I saw in Ho Chi Minh City.

In Malaysia, 77 of the 7066 cases so far reported (24 September 2009) have been reported to have died of H1N1. Then again, I don't have any figures for how many people, in comparison, died of the "normal" flu and wonder if it's just a global hype.

Whenever one kid is identified to have had H1N1, the whole school closes down. You get a massage and the radio plays a H1N1 notice in between every single commercial ad between songs of at least I experienced that once (in a Chinese blind people's massage place, by the way).

One person is sick and quickly rumour spreads that X or Y has H1N1 but in general, nobody really cares or puts it at the back of their mind. It has even found its way into everyday jokes. What I am trying to say is that you won't see people running at the mere mentioning of “H1N1!” nor a lot of drama, luckily.

On the other hand, you have hospitals ovrwhelmed with too many people who think they have the virus but only make doctors more busy. They have to use maybe 20 kits in a day – and that might be the amount they get from the MOH until further notice, or so a local doctor lamented to me.

The other day, on the cover page of the newspaper was a picture of rows and rows of uni graduates in their gowns and tassles, all wearing masks to their graduation ceremony which only ruins their special day without being effective at all.
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Thursday, September 24, 2009

A(H1N1): 587 patients receiving treatment for ILI


PETALING JAYA (Sept 22, 2009) : A total of 587 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) are being treated in 74 hospitals nationwide, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said today.

Of this, 169 patients are positive for A(H1N1) with 28 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“Twenty-six of those in ICU are from the high risk category, including nine children below five, two pregnant women and six obese patients,” he said in a statement from the Health Ministry yesterday.

The death toll for Influenza A(H1N1) in Malaysia remains at 77 as no new deaths were reported today.

The 77th death case reported on Saturday involved a 15-year-old asthmatic from Kedah. She died on Sept 11 but her death was only reported to the Health Ministry on Sept 18.

According to the ministry's statement, the girl had sought out-patient treatment from Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani, Kedah on Sept 7 after suffering from fever, cough and flu.

However her symptoms did not improve and she was brought back to hospital four days later on Sept 11. The girl was referred to the ICU and given antiviral treatment.

However, the patient died six hours later due to severe pneumonia with H1N1 infection, compounded by secondary bacterial infection.

The next day, her throat swab sample confirmed that she was infected with the virus.

Globally, the latest World Health Organization (WHO) report showed that as of Sept 18, the total number of cases worldwide has exceeded 296,471 with at least 3,486 deaths.

Mohd Ismail said the public must adhere to the Health Ministry’s advice in preventing, delaying and controlling H1N1 transmission in the community.

“The best way for those with ILI symptoms to prevent from spreading the virus is to stay home and rest after receiving symptomatic treatment and conduct self-monitoring while keeping a distance from family members or housemates,” he said.
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Thursday, September 17, 2009

231 new patients with flu-like symptoms warded

KUALA LUMPUR: The death toll due to Influenza A(H1N1) remained at 74 with no new deaths recorded in the past 24 hours, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said Sunday morning.

A total of 231 new patients with influenzalike illness were admitted to hospital, he said.

He added that 42 confirmed HIN1 patients were still being in Intensive Care Units.

Meanwhile, he reminded the public to remain vigilant against the pandemic by bringing H1N1 kits with them when visiting relatives during the coming festive season.

He also said that it would be better for those in the risk groups to travel in their own vehicles when they go back to their hometowns and villages for the Aidilfitri.

"If you have to use public transport, make sure you wear the surgical mask and observe personal hygiene at all times," he said in a statement. - Bernama
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Sultan not holding open house to prevent spread of A(H1N1)




KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah will not be holding the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house this year to prevent the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

His private secretary, Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, said in a statement that the Sultan had instructed him to make the announcement as the A(H1N1) was listed as an infectious disease that must be curtailed, reported Bernama.

The Sultan of Selangor also wished Selamat Hari Raya to Muslims and hoped they will look after their health, besides maintaining the solidarity, prosperity and peace.


In Klang, some 1,000 people from all walks of life broke fast with Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah at the Masjid di-Raja Sultan Suleiman here yesterday.

The guests had gathered at the royal mosque located next to the Istana Alam Shah as early as 5pm.

At the event organised by the Selangor government, the Sultan presented Hari Raya donations to 400 underprivileged people, including orphans and the hardcore poor before the breaking of fast followed by terawih prayers.

One of the receipients, Siti Mastura Nasharudin, 15, from Kampung Jawa, who came with her 11-year-old sister Khairunnisa, said she was thrilled to have met the Sultan.

"He is a very nice man. He is the first royal VIP that I have met," she said.

During his speech, Datuk Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Orang Besar Daerah Klang Datuk Setia Diraja Abdul Ghani Pateh Akhir, said the holy month called for tolerance and the spirit of forgiveness.

"Let us forgive each other and carry out our duties diligently. Do not let our emotion overcome us.

"I always pray to see again that kind of family harmony and peace that existed way back in the 50s and 60s," he added.

Selangor investment arms, the Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB) and Selangor Economic Development Corporation (PKNS), presented RM562,000 and RM4.18 million zakat to the Sultan.
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Saturday, September 12, 2009

One A(H1N1) Death Registered on Friday

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- After seven days of no record of deaths due to Influenza A(H1N1), on Friday a death was registered bringing the total now to 74.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the victim was a disabled 19-year-old male from Gerik, Perak.

"He was admitted to the Gerik Hospital on Aug 19 for fever, cough, sore throat and vomitting over four days. On Aug 20, he was referred to the Ipoh Hospital for specialist treatment and anti-viral treatment was started.

"However, he died on Aug 23 due to lungs complication due to Acute Pulmonary Oedema with underlying Influenza A H1N1 infection. The case was confirmed to be H1N1 through laboratory tests on Aug 28," Dr Mohd Ismail said in a statement on Friday.

Meanwhile, 198 new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms had been admitted into hospital for treatment while 190 had been discharged.

"This leads to 1,104 patients with ILI being treated in 101 hospitals, including eight private hospitals, throughout the country. Of the patients being treated just 261 patients (23.6 per cent) were positive for H1N1," he said.

He said of the 261 patients positive for H1N1, 41 were in the intensive care unit (ICU) of which eight were new cases while six patients had been taken out of the ICU.

"Of the 41 patients in the ICU, 32 (78 per cent) had risk factors. The breakdown of the risk factors are chronic illness (13 patients), chronic respiratory illness (one), obesity (nine), children below five years (eight) and pregnancy (one)," he said.

Dr Mohd Ismail also said till now there was no vaccine in the market that could protect a person from Influenza A (H1N1) as the vaccine was being tested at the clinical stage and that Malaysia would get the vaccine as soon as it was marketed.

He said those who wanted to perform the 'haj' or 'umrah' were required to take the Seasonal Flu and Meningitis vaccine.

On the antiviral treatment, Dr Mohd Ismail said those in the high risk group could get it at any clinic or hospital and they were encouraged to visit Influenza A (H1N1) prevention and treatment clinics as listed on the website http://h1n1.moh.gov.my that can provide antiviral treatment at reasonable rates.

-- BERNAMA
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Friday, September 11, 2009

MAILBOX: Clarification on H1N1 figures

I WOULD like to refer to the concerns raised by Margaret Wing of Petaling Jaya in her letter ‘Confusion over H1N1 number’, which appeared in Malay Mail on Sept 7.
We would like to inform that the number of H1N1 cases published or reported to the media by the Health Ministry are the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1.

It is the same reporting standard as used currently by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other countries worldwide in reporting cases of influenza A (H1N1).

As we are aware, as part of the current mitigation strategy in managing cases in Malaysia, most cases including certain high risk individuals are being treated on an outpatient basis and confirmatory test are not required to be done for them to facilitate initiation of early treatment.

Only those cases which require admission into either private or public hospitals have the confirmatory
test for H1N1 done.

Cases with complications need to be admitted into hospitals and a clinical sample would be taken for a laboratory confirmatory test, but treatment will be started immediately without waiting for the laboratory
test results.

Testing of H1N1 among hospitalised cases is currently part of the clinical management to exclude other possible infections as we are aware that other viral or bacterial infections may also contribute to the complications.

In conclusion, the figures of H1N1 published in the media only refer to the laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 and most of these cases are among hospital inpatients.

TAKING PRECAUTIONS: Wearing face masks can check the spread of the H1N1 virus.
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Thursday, September 3, 2009

Don't shun those who wear face masks

KLANG (Sept 1, 2009): Health Minister Datuk Sri Liow Tiong Lai today urged the public not to shun those who are wearing face masks as they are the safest people to be around with in the pandemic season and be "flu-wise".


Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai share a light moment with student
from SJK (C) Pandamaran A after the presentation of mask to school in
Klang.
"Using the face masks is one of the best ways of controlling the A (H1N1) virus from spreading fast in the community especially to children and those from the high risk group," he told a press conference after briefing and distributing masks to schools in Klang today.

"There is no need to be embarrassed about wearing face masks as it is a very good practice and it shows that people take the flu seriously, thus we should praise them for their initiative," Liow said.

Acknowledging other countries like Japan that have made wearing face masks a wide practice in their daily lives, he said Malaysia too should make wearing face masks part of its lifestyle, so that it will become a norm in the society.

"In Malaysia, the people who wear masks become alien to others, which should not be the way. We should encourage everyone to wear masks to protect themselves and others around them by preventing the spread of their flu to others, even if it is seasonal flu," Liow stressed.

He also said that based on observance, the face masks are currently catered for adults and when children wear them, it is big and loose.

"The manufacturers should consider providing another size smaller for the children. Wearing a loose face mask is ineffective as well, as it will not do much to protect the individual, thus it is wiser to have a children’s size," Liow said.

However, he said the masks with strings are helpful as the children can tie the masks tighter, but many choose the elastic masks for convenience. Elastic masks may not fit the children’s faces properly.

Liow reiterated parents’ responsibilities in monitoring their children on a daily basis for any symptoms or fever so that early treatment may be provided before it is too late.

"Schools are hotspots for the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) and all teachers have been advised to be on high alert and monitor and screen their students, as school just resumed after one week holiday," he said.

Encouraging all students especially from the primary schools, to wear face masks everyday to school and other places, Liow said the students should also be taught of using the masks hygienically.

"Sometimes the children tend to play with the face masks, touch them all the time or dirty them while playing. They should be taught the proper way of wearing and handling the masks, regularly change masks and not wet them," he said.

About 200,000 face masks were given to 45 schools around Klang as part of the campaign to prevent and control the Influenza A (H1N1).

To date, 272 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours and the death toll in Malaysia stands at 72. Globally the total number of death cases has escalated to 3,000.

"A total of 1,373 patients with Influenza-like-illness are admitted in the hospitals nationwide and only 193 (14%) have been confirmed to be infected with the virus," Liow said, adding that about 279 patients have been discharged.

He expressed concerned about the 46 high risk patients, who are under the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) currently, adding that the Health Ministry is working very hard in creating awareness to the public on the high risk group.


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Thursday, August 27, 2009

H1N1 Patient Urged To Take Tamiflu Immediately

Anyone with Influenza H1N1 symptom alike need to start taking Tamiflu within 48 hours to have absolute effectiveness.

Tamiflu need to be taken twice a day for a continous of five days.

You as a patient have the rights to demand for Tamiflu direct from doctor, or given a prescription by doctor, within 48 hours.

Failing to do so may bring you fatal implication.

Know your rights. Know the knowledge.

As long as you are healthy enough (can walk, talk etc) or not so ill:

There's no point in staying in ward.
There's not much help in eating apple, etc.
Quarantine yourself at home and have lots of fluid with proper meal including on time Tamiflu is upmost important.

I've heard a lot and read many local news. It seems many Malaysians are so blur and do not know about the true medication of H1N1
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF ANTIVIRAL MEDICINE FOR H1N1

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The supply of antiviral medicine for treatment of Influenza A (H1N1) is sufficient to meet the needs of patients in government hospitals and clinics, as well as those in private hospitals, vice-president of the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI) Leonard Ariff Abd Shatar said today.

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He said there would be no shortage of the antiviral medicine, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), which was used in the treatment of influenza.

"I don't believe there will be a shortage. I think the combination of local manufacturers and the stockpile from the government will be sufficient to treat people in Malaysia," he said when met by Bernama.

He said the supply of the antiviral oseltamivir, especially to private hospitals and clinics, was currently provided by three manufacturers, namely Chemical Company of Malaysia Bhd (CCM), Royce Pharma Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Ranbaxy (M) Sdn Bhd.

On measures taken by the government to overcome the spread of H1N1, Leonard said he was satisfied as the government had made early preparations, including having a stockpile of the antiviral since three years ago.

-- MORE

H1N1-MEDICINE 2 KUALA LUMPUR

Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Rahman Ismail, the managing director of Alriz Sdn Bhd, a medicine supplier, assured private clinics and hospitals which were registered under a H1N1 campaign for clinics which was launched by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong recently, of prompt delivery of the antiviral medicine.

In the Klang Valley areas, delivery could be made within 24 hours, while in other areas in the peninsula and in Sabah and Sarawak, they would get their supply in a week, he added.

The campaign was jointly organised by Alriz Sdn Bhd and Ranbaxy Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The companies are offering private hospitals and clinics registered under the campaign RM80 a box for the antiviral oseltamivir. The normal price is RM180 per box.

So far, 147 private hospitals and clinics have registered under the programme, he added.

They comprised 39 in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur (29), Melaka (5), Kedah (13), Perak (11), Johor (13), Negeri Sembilan (9), Pahang (3), Penang (19), Sabah (3) and Terengganu (1).

-- MORE

H1N1-MEDICINE 3 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR

Dr Rahman said hospitals and clinics which were registered under the programme would be monitored to ensure the antiviral medicine was not sold at a higher price.

He said patients should lodge complaints should they be made to pay more when they went to get their antiviral injection at the participating hospitals or clinics.

-- BERNAMA

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Monday, August 24, 2009

H1N1 resistance to Tamiflu

It is not surprising that we are seeing a resistance to Tamiflu considering the widespread prescription of this drug. The influenza viruses has the propensity to mutate with ease and our blanket prescription of Tamiflu will only expedite the mutation process.

Our general practitioners have lamented that the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health is inconsistent. The fact remains that we have little idea what we are up against. On one hand, the pressures from the press and the general public about the closely monitored statistical data has forced the government to take a stance that may not on the other hand have proven medical benefits. Prescribing Tamiflu is certainly not the answer to this pandemic and the move is extremely short-sighted.

It is important to ensure there is no panic among the general public. As demanding as they may be, the Ministry of Health has to conserve its finite resources. Reserving Tamiflu for high risk groups and ill patients may be the only way to go at this point. Educating the public about warning signs is important so as to ensure that visits to the doctors are neither premature nor delayed.

Vaccine trials are in progress. However, the introduction of vaccination may pose new problems for an edgy public. Who should be given priority?

I feel the number of infections will fall by the time the vaccination program is introduced. The rapidity of the spread will only strengthen the herd immunity among the population slowing the spread and eventual elimination. There are probably more infections than reported and fortunately most are mild and resolve without much fuss.

The blanket prescription of Tamiflu should end. It will do more harm than good in the long run and only serves to give us all a false sense of security.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

A(H1N1): Toll rises to 67 with three more deaths

PETALING JAYA (Aug 18, 2009) : Malaysia's total deaths due to Influenza A(H1N1) has increased to 67 to date since the first fatality four weeks ago, with three more fatalities reported today.

The Health Ministry's estimation that the current mortality rate of those infected is below 0.4% may be flawed as the total number of confirmed cases reported on Aug 17 was 4,225 and the total death then was 64. Based on that, the mortality rate has reached 1.5%.

The latest deaths involve a 33-year-old woman, a 10-year-old girl and a 71-year-old senior citizen.

Health director-general Tan Sri Mohd Ismail Merican said in a statement, the woman in the first case was referred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Aug 7 where her pneumonia worsened after receiving treatment in a private hospital for four days.

"The patient was reported to be down with cough and fever since July 31. She initially received treatment in a private clinic for two days before being referred to a private hospital due to pneumonia on Aug 3," he said.

The woman received antiviral treatment from Aug 7 onwards and died on Aug 12 due to severe bronchopneumonia and was confirmed positive for A(H1N1) on the same day.

Mohd Ismail said the 10-year-old victim was admitted to hospital on July 27 and was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE).

SLE is a chronic, multifaceted inflammatory disease that can affect every organ system of the body.

"Antiviral treatment was given on Aug 7 onwards but she died on Aug 13 due to SLE with severe with renal impairment. The girl was confirmed with A(H1N1) on the same day," Mohd Ismail said.

He said the third fatality which involved a senior citizen, who had Chronic Obstrutive Airway (COAD), Hypertension, Ischaemic Heart Disease and Type II Diabetes Mellitus, was confirmed positive A(H1N1) on Aug 15.

"He was down with fever, cough and breathing difficulty for two days and was admitted in hospital on Aug 12 and received antiviral treatment on the same day," Mohd Ismail said.

The patient died on Aug 14 due to Ischaemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy precipitated by pnuemonia and was confirmed to be infected with the virus the next day.

Mohd Ismail said there are 276 patients being treated in hospitals nationwide with 36 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Twenty-one of the those in ICU are from the high risk group including two mentally disabled and three children below one.

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

TAMIFLU FOR FLU TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

When you or someone in your family begins to experience flu symptoms, you have 48 hours to take action. Trust TAMIFLU, the number-one prescribed antiviral flu medicine*:

  • For flu treatment: When taken within two days of experiencing symptoms, TAMIFLU works by helping to stop the flu virus from spreading inside the body
  • For flu prevention: When you have been exposed to someone with the flu, taking TAMIFLU can help keep the virus from making you sick

TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the flu shot; vaccination is the first line of defense for flu protection.

TAMIFLU is Effective for Children and Adults

In flu treatment studies of patients who took TAMIFLU within 48 hours of the first appearance of symptoms:

  • Adults felt better 30 percent faster (1.3 days) than flu patients who did not take TAMIFLU
  • Children felt better up to 26 percent faster (1.5 days) than flu patients who did not take TAMIFLU

TAMIFLU is indicated for the treatment and prevention of influenza in people 1 year and older.

Flu strains may vary from area to area, so if you are exposed to a strain of the flu that is not the same strain as the one your flu shot protects against, you may still get the flu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: http://www.tamiflu.com/



  • The #1 doctor-prescribed flu medicine for flu treatment*
  • Approved for adults and children aged 1 year and older
  • Must be taken within 12 to 48 hours from the first appearance of flu symptoms

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H1N1 in Malaysia and the rising prices of face masks

Malaysia has one of the highest mortality rates of H1N1 in the world. With 56 deaths from roughly 3000 reported cases of people infected with H1N1, this mortality rate (2%) is way above the global average ranging from 0.1%-0.6%.

Are Malaysians more susceptible to H1N1? Probably not, as the demography of Malaysia is largely similar to that of neighbouring Singapore (which has a much lower mortality rate). The more plausible reason is the more scarier one. The actual mortality rate of H1N1 in Malaysia is not out of the norm.

Limsimi.com - Face Masks sold in Johor Bahru

Limsimi.com - Face Masks sold in Johor Bahru

For this to happen, this will mean that there is a large pool of unreported H1N1 infections in Malaysia – with infected people unaware that they are infected by the viruses. This led to Malaysia’s Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong to concede today that an estimated 80,000 Malaysians may have been already infected with influenza A (H1N1) – a startling figure indeed.

In Johor Bahru, H1N1 has overtaken the crime rate as the main concern topic recently. And this is being demonstrated by the ballooning price of face masks. It will cost you RM$1.20 now if you purchase a single face mask from a provision shop in Johor Bahru, when the cost price is only RM$0.30. Besides face masks, people are increasing purchases of vitamin C tablets and digital thermometers. Brisk businesses for provision shop owners and door-to-door salesmen.

There is also a lingering feeling if the place you visit in Johor Bahru is a hotspot for H1N1 already. The statistics are not coming fast enough for the Malaysian Health Ministry to forewarn the public or take any effective measures. Like most countries, it is left to the community to take the common sense precautions. To be prudent, it is wise to avoid crowded places like City Square, Tebrau Hawker Centers and Stulang Laut if you are bringing small children or your grandparents along – people who are most susceptible to H1N1.

And for Singaporeans, white cards should not be the only checklist before making your trip to JB. Ask yourself if you have remembered to bring any face masks too.

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Monday, August 17, 2009

Death realated to A(H1N1) In Malaysia

Thursday August 13, 2009
A (H1N1) claims six more lives

PUTRAJAYA: Two babies and a pregnant woman are among six new cases of influenza A (H1N1) deaths.
The six are a 10-month-old baby girl, a one-year-old baby boy, a pregnant 18-year-old woman, a 24-year-old man and two other men in their 60s.
The baby girl died from severe broncho-pneumonia while the baby boy died because of heart complications and pneumonia.
The boy had undergone heart surgery at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur before being referred to the government hospital for further treatment.
The pregnant woman died from severe pneumonia, while the 24-year-old man died from pneumonia and septicemia. The 60-year-old man who died had diabetes, hypertension and heart problems and was admitted because of fever and cough.
The sixth victim was a cancer-striken 62-year-old man, who was also a diabetic. He died from severe pneumonia.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who released the details at a press conference here yesterday, said that some 76 patients were being treated in isolation wards while another 21 were in the intensive care unit.
On another matter, Liow said schools should not close unless a high number of their teachers and students were absent because of A (H1N1) infection.
He said headmasters would determine whether the schools could function or not, after following advice from the state health directors and informing state education directors.
He also urged producers, suppliers and traders of mask and hand sanitisers to be responsible and not simply increase prices.
Meanwhile, Suhakam urged the Govern-ment to take definite steps to increase public awareness about the pandemic.
The commission, in a statement yesterday, expressed concern over the worsening situation, especially the state of preparation of public health defence.
In Johor Baru, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) graduates attending the university’s 43rd convocation this weekend have been told to fill up a health declaration form stating that they are free from influenza A (H1N1) virus.
In Kuantan, the Regent of Pahang’s consort Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar, who has contracted the virus along with their five children, said she had received various SMSes of support.

Wednesday August 12, 2009
A(H1N1): 6 more deaths, total fatalities at 44

PUTRAJAYA: There were six more Influenza A(H1N1)-related deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 44.
The latest deaths involved a 10-month-old girl, a one-year-old boy, an 18-year-old pregnant woman, a 24-year-old man and two other men in their 60s, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said here on Wednesday.
He also said that schools with suspected cases should not close entirely unless they could not function due to a high incidence of teachers or students being infected or under quarantine.
Liow said the principals of such schools would have to determine if this were the case, following advice from the state health director and after informing the state education director.
Liow also warned suppliers and traders not to indiscriminately increase the prices of facemasks and hand sanitisers to exploit the demand, adding that stern action would be taken against such profiteers
Tuesday August 11, 2009
Flu fatalities climb to 32

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia reported six more deaths related to Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total number of fatalities to 32.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said there was one death on Sunday while two people succumbed to the disease last Wednesday. Three patients died on Saturday.
It was only now confirmed that the five had died of A (H1N1) following post-mortem, he said, adding that the deaths were officially reported to health authorities on Sunday.
“Four of the victims had underlying risk factors,” he said. “In the last 24 hours, 203 new cases were reported, of which 15 were treated in Intensive Care Unit and 67 patients are in the isolation wards,” he said yesterday.
To date, the total number of reported cases in the country stood at 1,982. Globally, 208,155 people have been found to be infected by the virus and 1,688 people from 174 countries have died.
Dr Ismail advised those who showed symptoms and in the high-risk groups to seek medical attention, adding that anti-viral treatment was effective on patients who began treatment within 48 hours of showing the flu symptoms.
High-risk groups include children who are below five years, senior citizens 65 years and above, children and youth under 19 who have been taking asprin for long-term, pregnant women, those who suffer from asthma, chronic lung disease, organ failure, cardiovascular, liver and blood system diseases, diabetic, obese people and those with low immunity.
“Those who show light symptoms should be given symptomatic treatment, stay at home and limit their interaction with others.”
In Perak, state Health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said another institution - the Mara Junior Science College in Lenggong - had been ordered to close.
A total of 41 schools and institutions in Pahang have been closed but 11 had reopened, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said.
“The staff of the state health department are doing their level best to curb the spread of the virus.”
Published: Thursday August 6, 2009 MYT 1:27:00 PM
Updated: Thursday August 6, 2009 MYT 4:02:25 PM
A(H1N1): Death toll increases to 14 (Update)
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

mazwin@thestar.com.my
PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities urged the public not to panic and stepped up measures to contain the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak as the virus claimed its 14th fatality.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that as of 8am Thursday, the death toll had reached 14, the latest casualty being a 57-year-old pensioner who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension.
He was warded at the intensive care unit at the Putrajaya Hospital on Aug 4 and succumbed to acute pulmonary oedema on Wednesday.
Health authorities also recorded 16 new cases in the last 24 hours; all were local tranmissions with two new clusters reported. The number of people who have been infected in Malaysia stood at 1,492.
Dr Ismail also said that beginning Friday, all government hospitals, clinics and 22 private hospitals nationwide would be supplied with the Tamiflu anti-viral medication. Private clinics would be able to obtain their supply from the relevant pharmaceutical suppliers.
“The suppliers have given us the assurance that there is sufficient supply of anti-viral medication. However, I would like to warn doctors not to use the drugs as prophylaxis or medication to prevent one from getting the flu.
“This is because not only have such measures proven to be ineffective, they will also cause resistance to the medication as reported in the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Denmark and Canada.
“This move will also deplete the resources for such medication. Pharmacists are also warned not to sell the anti-viral drugs to the public without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr Ismail said.
Dr Ismail also said that not all who have developed flu-like symptoms need to be tested for A(H1N1) and urged the public not to panic or feel upset if hospitals send them home without taking throat swabs.
He said only those who were warded in hospitals and in high-risk groups would be tested for the flu.
“The technical commitee had decided on this because each day, the Institute of Medical Research is flooded with at least 500 applications for A(H1N1) tests and 80% to 90% are tested negative.
“We want to prevent wastage and overloading so that the institute can concentrate on detecting genuine cases and conduct tests which are more important and crucial,” he told a press conference Thursday.
Dr Ismail added that apart from conducting tests to confirm Influenza A(H1N1), the IMR was also responsible for looking for new virus strains and determining if the present virus is resistant to anti-viral medication.
He noted that so far, tests to determine both had been negative.
Dr Ismail also advised doctors and healthcare practitioners to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected with the flu after close contact with patients.
He added that unlike the SARS outbreak where none of the healthcare personnel were infected, the A(H1N1) flu had caused a few to fall ill.
He said the public has an important role to play to curtail the spread and must heed medical advice, especially when asked to go under home quarantine.
“One should not go out when asked to remain at home. Even when inside the house, one should confine himself to a room and strictly minimise contact with the rest of the household.
“I cannot impress enough how important it is for members of the public to be responsible and not to infect others when they are down with the flu, cough or cold, and to maintain high levels of hygiene,” he said.
Published: Friday July 31, 2009 MYT 5:01:00 PM
Updated: Friday July 31, 2009 MYT 6:12:05 PM
10yr-old with flu symptoms dies, post-mortem on (Update)
By CLARA CHOOI

clara.chooi@thestar.com.my
IPOH: Perak may have recorded its first influenza A (H1N1) death when a 10-year-old girl from Bagan Serai in Kerian succumbed to influenza-like symptoms.
State Health exco Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon told a press conference here that the girl, a pupil from SK Matang Gerdu, died at 5am on Friday at the Bagan Serai Health Clinic.
“She began suffering from fever, cough and breathing difficulties at about 3am and her level of oxygen dipped.
“After arriving at the clinic, she was given resuscitation but collapsed anyway and could not be saved,” he said.
Dr Mah added that the girl had already sought treatment from the clinic on Wednesday after suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection.
“However at the time, she was still stable and was sent home,” he said, adding that there were no reported cases of influenza-like illnesses from other pupils in the girl’s school.
He said that health authorities were still waiting for the post-mortem report in order to ascertain the cause of the girl’s death but suspects that it could have been from influenza A (H1N1).
If confirmed, the girl’s case would bring the country’s death toll from A(H1N1) to five.
Dr Mah also said five more institutions have been ordered closed for seven days since Friday, in addition to the nine already closed, with a total of 45 confirmed H1N1 cases.
The institutions are SJK (T) Simpang Lima with 12 suspected cases, SJK (T) St Mary and SK Wawasan Pekan Baru, all in Kerian, with 22 suspected cases in total, the Tegas Mesra National Service camp in Selama (unknown number of cases) and the Universiti Teknologi Petronas hostel in Seri Iskandar, Tronoh, with 192 suspected cases.
Dr Mah also warned the public against hiding possible A(H1N1) cases from the authorities, saying that it was an irresponsible act.
“We will not hide anything from the public because we believe it is important for them to be updated on what is going on,” he said.
Monday August 3, 2009
11-year-old boy is sixth H1N1 death

PETALING JAYA: An 11-year-old boy has died of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total number of deaths from the disease to six.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said in a statement that the boy died at 8.30am yesterday at Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Baru after having fever.
He was admitted into the hospital on July 29.
Dr Ismail said his condition worsened and he was admitted into the intensive care unit a day later.
He said further checks revealed that he was suffering from inflammation of heart and lungs.
“On Aug 1, he was confirmed to be infected with the virus,” he said.
The boy’s death follows the death of a 10-year-old girl from Bagan Serai.
Dr Mohd Ismail said the girl had been ill since July 27 but she did not suffer from any breathing problems when she received outpatient treatment at a private clinic.
On the night of July 28, the girl complained of breathing difficulties and received treatment at a Bagan Serai health clinic the next day.
While receiving treatment, she was in stable condition and did not complain of breathing difficulties or cyanosis and was given outpatient treatment including antibiotics and cough medicine.
However at 3am on Friday, she complained of breathing difficulties, fever and cough before arriving at the Bagan Serai Health Clinic for treatment.
While receiving treatment, she passed out. She was pronounced dead at 5.30am. The post mortem done at the Alor Setar Hospital on Friday revealed that she died of severe pneumonic changes.
Tests on phlegm taken from the girl by the Institute of Medical Research showed that the girl had the A (H1N1) virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohd Ismail said 39 new flu cases were reported yesterday, taking the total number of cases to 1,429.
Thirty-five of 39 were from eight new cluster cases while four were sporadic cases.
Of the 1,429 cases, 60% were local transmission while the rest were imported.
He said 19 cases, eight of which were in ICU, were currently in hospital and were being given anti-viral treatment.
In Ipoh, state Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said SMKA Shamsul Maarif Al-Wataniah in Tanjung Piandang, Kerian, had also been ordered closed after 38 people from the school developed influenza-like illnesses.
“This brings the number of institutions closed since the outbreak to 16,” he said, adding that 18 people are currently in various hospitals in the state for the disease.
Published: Monday August 3, 2009 MYT 11:10:00 AM
Updated: Monday August 3, 2009 MYT 7:24:19 PM
A(H1N1): Lady teacher, 51, is country's 8th flu death (Update 2)
By AUDREY EDWARDS and STEPHEN THEN

KUALA LUMPUR: A lady teacher, 51, from a Selangor school closed on July 27 died Sunday, making her the eighth Influenza A(H1N1) death in the country.
She had developed pneumonia and had underlying heart disease, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on Monday.
He said that a sample was taken after she died and the test results on Monday showed that she was infected by the flu virus.
He said that she had complained of cough, fever and difficulty in breathing and saw a doctor on July 27.
She was later hospitalised in Sungei Buloh Hospital on July 30 and then moved to Seremban Hospital where her condition worsened and she died of pneumonia.
Meanwhile in Miri, a 24-year-old native woman suffering from Influenza A(H1N1) died at 4am on Monday, a mere two weeks after giving birth to her first child at the intensive care unit of the Miri Hospital.
Her baby girl is safe, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said, adding that this was the state’s first reported death from the deadly flu.
The woman, from here, was warded on July 17 after she contracted the disease. At that time she was already in an advanced stage of pregnancy.
The hospital managed to help her deliver a baby girl a few days after she was warded. The baby has been handed over to her father, a labourer in his late 20s.
“This is the first death in Sarawak due to A(H1N1). We (the Sarawak government) have increased the alert level throughout the whole state now.
“Nobody can take this disease lightly anymore,” Dr Chan said.
The Miri Hospital tightened security and safety by several notches to prevent any spread of the disease.
Its director Dr Uma Devi had issued directives to staff not to allow little children to enter the wards if they are not there for any health-related purposes.
Visitors are not allowed to bring babies or little kids to the wards anymore. Old folk are also discouraged from entering unless they are there for health checks.
Smokers are also barred from coming near the wards.
Dr Uma said the tighter safety measures are needed as those who are weaker have immune systems that can be easily attacked by the H1N1 virus.
The Sarawak woman brings the total number of deaths in Malaysia to seven, the previous being an 11-year-old boy who died in Johor Baru on Sunday.
A(H1N1): Death toll rises to eight
Reports by FOONG PEK YEE, AUDREY EDWARDS, MAZWIN NIK ANIS, STEPHEN THEN, MARTIN CARVALHO, SYLVIA LOOI and DESIREE TRESA GASPER

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia reported two new influenza A (H1N1) deaths yesterday, bringing the total number of people who have succumbed to the disease to eight.
The seventh victim was a 24-year-old native woman who died at the Miri Hospital’s intensive care unit, two weeks after giving birth to her first child. She was the first A (H1N1) fatality in Sarawak.
The eighth victim was a 51-year-old school teacher who died in Seremban on Sunday, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
The Institute for Medical Research confirmed yesterday that the teacher had contracted the virus. Her tissue samples were tested after her death.
She had taught at a school in Selangor, which was closed on July 27 following the discovery of an A (H1N1) cluster there.
The onset of the disease began on July 23, and the teacher visited a general practitioner on July 27.
She went to the Sungai Buloh Hospital on July 30, and subsequently to the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban on Sunday after experiencing a shortness of breath. She was admitted to the intensive care unit where she died.
The native woman was warded on July 17. At the time, she was already in an advanced stage of pregnancy.
The hospital helped her deliver a baby girl a few days later. The baby is healthy and has been handed over to the father, a labourer in his late 20s.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the state had stepped up the alert level.
“Nobody can take this disease lightly any more,” he said yesterday.
The Miri Hospital has stopped children from entering the wards unless they are undergoing treatment.
The elderly are also discouraged from the wards, while smokers are barred altogether.
Hospital director Dr Uma Devi said the tighter safety measures were aimed at protecting those with a weak immune system.
Published: Monday July 27, 2009 MYT 4:21:00 PM
Updated: Monday July 27, 2009 MYT 6:44:09 PM
A(H1N1): Second death in Malaysia (Update)

PETALING JAYA: A 46-year-old Malaysian man who worked in Belgium, died from Influenza A(H1N1) on Sunday, making him the second victim to have died from the contagious flu since its outbreak in this country.
The man was reported to have died from “severe pneumonia with respiratory failure with septicaemic shock and acute renal failure” after seven days being treated at the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Subang Jaya.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the victim came back to Malaysia on July 4.
“He was alright until he went for a holiday with his family in Langkawi on July 13 when he developed fever and coughing.
“Upon his return from Langkawi, he sought treatment at a private hospital in Petaling Jaya on July 16 where his chest X-ray showed that he had pneumonia,” he said in a statement issued here Monday.
Dr Mohd Ismail said the man was then referred to the private hospital in Subang Jaya on July 19 and warded at the ICU.
He said tests conducted by the Institute of Medical Research on July 22, on a sample taken from the man’s throat confirmed that he had been infected with the H1N1 virus.
“Complications developed and the man died at 12.35pm Sunday,” he said, adding that 18 contact cases had been identified and only one had tonsillitis symptoms.
On July 21, a 30-year-old Islamic finance student from Indonesia also died from Influenza A(H1N1).
Dr Mohd Ismail said the latest fatal case was among seven cases categorised as sporadic or isolated.
He said six other local cases in the same category included three who were warded in the hospitals -- one for pneumonia and the others a five-month pregnant woman and a young student. The other three are from one family and they received outpatient treatment.
Dr Mohd Ismail also said that 49 new cases were reported Monday, all involving locals, bringing the total number of cases so far to 1,124 with two deaths. Of the figure, 574 were imported cases while the rest were locally transmitted.
He said 1,103 cases (98%) had recovered, another 10 cases were being given antiviral treatment and eight were treated at home. -- Bernama
Published: Thursday July 23, 2009 MYT 1:40:00 PM
Updated: Thursday July 23, 2009 MYT 6:32:20 PM
First A(H1N1) related death in Malaysia (Update)
By LOH FOON FONG

PUTRAJAYA: A 30-year-old Indonesian student became the first Influenza A(H1N1) related fatality here, although the cause of death was not the disease itself.
Initial investigations show that the cause of death was the result of a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm), Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
The first-year student at the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance, Kuala Lumpur, had other underlying medical conditions.
“Influenza A(H1N1) was not a direct cause of his death,” he told a press conference on Thursday.
The patient went back to Indonesia for a holiday and returned to Malaysia on July 5 and was reported to have been suffering a mild fever and cough, Liow said.
On July 21, the patient fainted while waiting for his medication after seeing a doctor at a private medical centre in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. He was given emergency treatment but his life could not be saved, he said.
The patient passed away at 11:50am and the medical centre recorded “cardiac arrest due to ventrical fibrillation” as the cause of death, he added.
“A post-mortem examination was carried out at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital on the same day and results showed that the patient was obese, had pneumonia, an enlarged heart and liver and pus-like material at the bottom of the trachea,” he said.
Liow said 20 specimens had been taken for virology, bacterialogy, histopatology, bio-chemical and toxicology tests.
The virology and bacteriology tests on lung tissues and the trachea showed the presence of Influenza A (H1N1) while tests on Influenza A (H5N1), dengue and leptospira were negative.
“We are still waiting for other test results and the cause of death will be confirmed once all the tests are complete,” he said.
Liow said 25 staff members of the medical centre in contact with the patient were ordered to self-quarantine themselves for seven days.
Seven of his room-mates and members of his study group at the college have been identified, and one of them had sought treatment for influenza symptoms.
The Ministry had carried out health checks at the college on Thursday, he said.
There were 18 new cases reported Thursday, 17 of them the result of local tranmissions and one was imported from a Malaysian returning from London.
Of the local transmissions, 13 were from four clusters in Malacca while the rest were isolated cases.
The four clusters -- Durian Daun Teachers Training College (five cases), Mara Foundation College (four cases), Mara Professional College hostel (three cases) and the Nilam Nursing School Bachang (one case) -- were ordered to close for seven days beginning Thursday.
Malaysia has a total of 939 cases with 573 (61%) imported and 366 local transmissions as of Thursday.
Of that figure, 11 (1%) received anti-viral treatment in hospitals, 922 cases had recovered and five cases (1%) received outpatient treatment at their homes.
On Thursday, The Straits Times in Singapore reported two more fatalities in the island republic, bringing its toll to three.
Both patients also had underlying medical conditions. They were a 13-year-old boy who had epilepsy and a 55-year-old man with motor neuron disease, a nerve disorder.
The first death, last Saturday, was of a 49-year-old man who had multiple health problems including diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Malaysia reports 6 more deaths of A/H1N1 flu

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia reported six more deaths due to A/H1N1 flu on Tuesday, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 38.

The Malaysian Health Ministry's Director-General Ismail Merican also said that in the last 24 hours, Malaysia has detected 270 new cases of the flu, bringing the total cases in the country to 2,253.

Among the new detected cases, Ismail said 48 patients were treated in the isolation wards, while eleven patients were treated in intensive care unit, he said in Putrajaya Hospital, some 25 km south of here.

Ismail said that generally, most patients have high recovery, urging people who have flu symptoms such as cough and fever to stay at home and wear mask.

Ismail also said that the public should seek medical treatment immediately if they have unusual flu symptoms, including difficulty in breathing and chest pain.

Meanwhile, Ismail said that the Malaysian Health Ministry would publish useful and updated information of the disease twice a day for the public, through the ministry's website.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Malaysian coach under scanner for swine flu

New Delhi: The swine flu panic is spreading across the country and with the death toll rising to eight, state governments are busy chalking out contingency plans to deal with the mounting number of cases.

The flu scare has also hit the ongoing World Badminton Championship in Hyderabad where the coach accompanying the Malaysian contingent is suspected to have contracted the deadly H1N1 virus.

Misbun Sidek, was admitted to a government hospital in Hyderabad after he displayed symptoms of swine flu. His reports are expected by Tuesday evening.

"Sidek complained of throat pain last evening. His samples have been sent for testing. We don't want to take any chance. We are taking all precautions," Pullela Gopichand, director of the organising committee and Indian team coach, was quoted as sayng by news agency IANS.

Some policemen at the venue of the championship were seen wearing masks Monday night.


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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

A (H1N1): 6 more deaths, taking total to 32 (Update)

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia reported six more deaths related to Influenza A (H1N1), taking the total number of fatalities to 32.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that only one death occurred on Sunday. Two of the victims had succumbed to the disease on Aug 5 and three patients died on Aug 8.

He said it was only confirmed that the five victims had died due to A (H1N1) following post-mortems. The deaths were officially reported to health authorities on Sunday.

“Four of the victims had underlying risk factors. In the last 24 hours, 203 new cases were reported, of which 15 were being treated in intensive care units and 67 patients are in isolation wards,” he said Monday.

The total number of reported cases in the country stood at 1,982 to date. Globally, 208,155 people have been infected by the virus and 1,688 people from 174 countries have died.

Dr Ismail advised those who show symptoms and are in a high-risk group to immediately seek medical attention, adding that the anti-viral treatment had proven effective on patients who began treatment within 48 hours of showing symptoms.

High-risk groups include children who are below five years; senior citizens 65 years and above; children and youths under 19 who have been taking aspirin on a long-term basis; pregnant women; those who suffer from asthma, chronic lung disease, organ failure, cardiovascular, liver and blood system diseases; diabetics; obese people; and those with a low immunity.

“Those who show light symptoms should be given symptomatic treatment, stay at home and limit their interaction with others.

“One should should also look for warning signs such as difficulty in breathing, fever, continuous chest pains, cough and diarrhea,” he said.

Dr Ismail also advised the public to lead a healthy lifestyle by consuming sufficient amounts of water, eating healthy and not smoking.

In MALACCA, the Education Ministry said it will propose a uniform and consistent set of guidelines for school closures, reports MARTIN CARVALHO.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the proposal would be tabled before the National Security Council as soon as possible.

He said these guidelines would help avoid inconsistent decisions by state health authorities.

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A(H1N1): Eight more deaths reported
Hold public gatherings only if necessary, urges Najib
Health Ministry: Use rapid tests to check for flu
Three MPSJ officers down with H1N1 flu
BSN branch, six schools and MPSJ dept closed to avoid spread

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Monday, August 10, 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Now A Serious Threat, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Friday the influenza A (H1N1) has become a serious threat to the nation and advised the people not to attend gatherings in public places.

The prime minister also advised the people to take comprehensive preventive measures after the H1N1 death toll rose to 14 as of Thursday and many schools and tertiary institutions had been closed due to cases of infections.

"Don't hold gatherings unless they are necessary. Gatherings will expose us to additional risk because the disease will spread," he told reporters after opening the Malaysian Sports Industry Convention here.

Preventive measures like washing hands and wearing masks, especially when attending public functionsm, could also be taken, he said, adding that he had washed his hands before entering the convention venue because he had shaken hands with many people.

"If we have to wear a mask, wear it. There's nothing to lose," he said.

On another matter, the prime minister said the people should heed the reminder of the Raja Muda of Perak, Dr Nazrin Shah, on the seven messages from the Malay rulers because the link between the people and the rulers was important and was enshrined in the Malay history.

Each had their their respective duties and roles.

"We respect the views of the Malay rulers and the most important things is that the institution of the rulers centres on the people's support and the link between the rulers and the people is important," he said.

He was asked to comment on Raja Nazrin's reminder to the people of the Malay rulers' messages to the people which promised them prosperity, peace and harmony if they were united and upheld these principles.

-- BERNAMA
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