Today 54, 53 locally transmited

KLANG: There were 54 new influenza A (H1N1) cases today as opposed to 44 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total number in the country to 1,075.

Although the increase is not a good sign, the situation was very much under control, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said the pandemic was still contained within the clusters as opposed to some other countries where the infection had already found its way to the “streets.”

"There is no community transmission in Malaysia and we know where the current transmission comes from," Liow told reporters after launching a blood donation drive organised by Bandar Baru Berkley MCA branch and the Loon Yuin Vihara here on Sunday.

He said the transmission in Malaysia came from the seven clusters, which have been identified.

Out of the 54 new cases yesterday, Liow said 53 were local transmissions while one was a foreign transmission.

Of the figure, four people were admitted to hospitals, with three of them in the intensive care unit (ICU).

"The rest of the cases are being treated symptomatically," he said, adding that people should take it upon themselves to ensure that the epidemic did not spread.

He said everyone must work hard in battling the A (H1N1) given that fact that it was a new virus and had no vaccine to prevent the infection.

"The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the pandemic would be “unstoppable”, so we have to put in measures to slow it down.

“We have put in a lot of measures and have moved from containment to mitigation,” he said.

He advised members of the public to practise self-quarantine when anyone has flu like symptoms and practice good oral hygiene as part of the mitigation exercise.

Liow said the number of local transmission influenza cases now stood at 47% of the total 1,075 cases.

On the baby that was born to a mother infected with A (H1N1) at the Miri General Hospital in Sarawak, Liow said the newborn had tested negative for the influenza.

“Only the mother has it and the baby did not get it,” said Liow.

The woman gave birth on July 21, and took ill with high fever soon after, and subsequently, was tested positive for A (H1N1) on Thursday.

On another matter, Liow said only 2% of the nation’s population were blood donors, and the number must be increased to 5% by 2020 to ensure there is sufficient supply.

Source: The star