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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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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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Friday, August 7, 2009

The 14th death

The 14th death

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Another death related to Influenza A (H1N1), that of a 57-year old male pensioner at the Putrajaya Hospital Wednesday, has raised the number of deaths due to the pandemic to 14 since this morning.

Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the victim who had diabetes and hypertension was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) with symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.

"He was confirmed having the virus yesterday. He died yesterday of Acute Pulmonary Oedema secondary to H1N1," he told reporters here Thursday.
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Thursday, August 6, 2009

A(H1N1): Four more deaths, total at 12 (Update 2)

PETALING JAYA: The Influenza A(H1N1) virus claimed four more lives, bringing the total number of fatalities in Malaysia to 12.

Three patients were a three-year-old, a 12-year-old and a 20-year old who all died at the Malacca Hospital on Aug 3, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican said on Wednesday.

The fourth was a six-year-old boy who died at 2.30am Wednesday at the Batu Pahat Hospital, the second such death in Johor.

Overall, there were 16 new cases of A(H1N1) infection recorded over the past 24 hours, bringing the accumulated total in Malaysia to 1,476 since the outbreak, Ismail said in a statement from PUTRAJAYA.

He said the three-year-old girl died from severe pneumonia at 4.30pm on Aug 3 after having been confirmed to being infected with A(H1N1) at 6.19pm the previous day, reports IZATUN SHARI.

The girl. who had a history of chronic respiratory tract infection, was warded in Malacca Hospital on July 31 after developing flu and cough symptoms on July 25.

Prior to that, she had received early treatment at private clinics before being admitted to a private hospital on July 30 and later referred to Malacca Hospital.

Dr Ismail said the 12-year-old boy died from severe pneumonia at 2pm on Monday and was confirmed to have been infected with A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.

He said the boy, who suffered from chronic kidney failure and underwent dialysis treatment, was admitted to the hospital on Monday with a fever, cough and breathing difficulties since Aug 1.

“The 11th case involved a 20-year-old man with chronic asthma who was admitted to Malacca Hospital on Aug 2 after having fever, cough and breathing difficulties since July 31,” Dr Ismail said.

“He was admitted to the intensive care unit and confirmed to have had severe pneumonia,” he said, adding that the victim died at 2.30am on Monday and confirmed to have had A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.

Dr Ismail said the 16 new cases involved 10 from three new clusters and six sporadic cases.

“Of the 16 new cases, two are still being treated in wards, 11 are receiving outpatient treatment and three have died,” he said.

In JOHOR BARU, Johor Health department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yaakub said that the six-year-old boy, who was also suffering from pnemonia, died at about 2.30am on Wednesday.

“He was first admitted to a private hospital in Batu Pahat on July 26, and was later admitted to the Batu Pahat Hospital on July 30.

“He tested positive for the flu on July 31,” he said, reports FARIK ZOLKEPLI.

Dr Mohd Khairi said that Health Department personnel would monitor the conditions of the boy’s parents and other family members.

“We will treat them if they show any symptoms consistent with the flu,” he said.

In BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said his ministry was worried that the increasing haze throughout the country will worsen the spread of the A(H1N1) influenza.

The rising air pollution has resulted in an increase of respiratory ailments, a situation which will cause the sufferers to be more vulnerable to a fatal A(H1N1) virus attack, he said.

On Tuesday, the air quality in five areas reached unhealthy levels as the number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan increased drastically.

The haze has complicated an already difficult situation, Liow said, reports STEPHEN THEN.

“The A(H1N1) virus attacks the lung cells directly. It then causes serious pneunomia. Those with respiratory ailments have weaker immune systems and the attack can be more serious.

“Those with more serious respiratory ailments like asthma will have higher risks of getting a fatal A(H1N1) attack,” he told a press conference.

Liow was here in Brunei with six other Cabinet ministers to accompany Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the latter’s annual consultative meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Liow also warned those with even a mild case of flu to immediately isolate themselves from their family and the general public to curb the flu.-THE STAR 0N-LINE

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Malaysia records 2 more A(H1N1) deaths

PETALING JAYA (Aug 3, 2009): Two more people were confirmed to have died from influenza A(H1N1) today, bringing the country's tally to 8 deaths and the total number of cases to 1,447.

The two latest victims are a 51-year-old school teacher from Selangor, and a new mother from Sarawak.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican in a statement today the 23-year-old woman, who had given birth to a healthy baby girl two weeks ago, became the country's seventh Influenza A(H1N1) victim and the first in Sarawak.

The woman died at 4am in Miri Hospital today. Her baby is safe and confirmed free from the virus.

Mohd Ismail said in a statement that the woman also had lung complications.

"She suffered from severe pneumonia and was confirmed to be positive of the virus on July 23, just two days after her delivery. She was down with fever and cough four days before her delivery. Due to the severe lung complications, the patient was referred to the ICU, said Mohd Ismail.

"The cause of her death was recorded as pneumonia due to Influenza A(H1N1) infection," he said.

The eighth influenza A(H1N1) death was confirmed after a sample taken from the school teacher after death came back positive for the virus today, he said, adding that the cause of death was severe pneumonia.

He said the victim had complained of cough, fever and shortness of breath and sought medical attention on July 27.

She was later hospitalised in Sungei Buloh Hospital on July 30 before being moved to the Seremban Hospital. However, her condition worsened and she died of pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Mohd Ismail said.

Eighteen new cases were detected in the past 24 hours. All were local transmissions, making the total number of cases to date 1,447.

Of the latest cases, 1,408 (97%) have recovered and only 29 receiving antiviral treatment in various hospitals with eight in ICU, including four cases with high risk factors like obesity, pregnancy and weak immunity.

There are nine cases who are being treated with antiviral at home.

According to the World Health Organisation, the total number of cases worldwide has escalated to 183,854 with 1,307 deaths from 167 countries.

New cases: 18
Import: 0
Local Transmission: 18
Death: 2
Total no. of cases: 1,447 (including 8 deaths)

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Second H1N1 death in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: A 46-year-old Malaysian man who worked in Belgium has died from influenza A (H1N1), making him the second fatality in the country since the flu outbreak.

He was reported to have died from “severe pneumonia with respiratory failure with septicaemic shock and acute renal failure” after being treated at the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Subang Jaya for a week.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the victim had returned to Malaysia on July 4.

“He was all right until he went for a holiday with his family in Langkawi on July 13 where he developed fever and cough.

“On 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 yesterday.

Dr Mohd Ismail said the man was then referred to the private hospital in Subang Jaya on July 19 and was warded at the ICU.

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 yesterday (on Sunday),” he said.

On July 21, a 30-year-old Islamic finance student from Indonesia died from H1N1.

Dr Mohd Ismail said the latest fatal case was among seven cases categorised as sporadic or isolated.

Six other local cases in the same category included three who were warded – one for pneumonia and the others being a pregnant woman and a young student.

The other three are from one family and they received outpatient treatment.

Dr Mohd Ismail also disclosed that 49 new cases were reported yesterday, all involving locals, bringing the total number to 1,124.

Of the figure, 574 were imported cases.

He said 1,103 cases (98%) had recovered while another 10 were being given anti-viral treatment. — Bernama.


from the on-line 28 july 2009.

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Monday, August 3, 2009

Schools to get masks and sanitisers

POH: Schools can expect to get their hand sanitisers, masks and thermometers this week.

Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong confirmed the Education Ministry had disbursed a total of RM3.6mil to all state Education Departments to buy the items to help contain the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.

Speaking to reporters after opening the fourth National Union of the Teaching Profession Sports Meet here on Saturday evening, Dr Wee said schools should be receiving the items this week subject to stock availability.

“The ministry agrees that each school must have at least a thermometer, while hand sanitisers and masks are to be distributed at the discretion of the Education Department.”

Asked whether the allocation to each school was dependent on the student population, Dr Wee said it depended on the number of schools in each state.

”The respective education departments have received clear guidelines on the matter.”

Dr Wee also said that he would chair a meeting today to monitor the impact of the outbreak on schools.

-the star on-line 3 ogos 2009-

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From the star on-line 3 ogos 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.

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