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

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.
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.

News source from: theStar