Latest influenza A H1N1 news in Malaysia

Man-made super-flu could kill half humanity

2011-11-28T10:20:00.001+08:00

A virus with the potential to kill up to half the world’s population has been made in a lab. Now academics and bioterrorism experts are arguing over whether to publish the recipe, and whether the research should have been done in the first place.

The virus is an H5N1 bird flu strain which was genetically altered to become much more contagious. It was created by Ron Fouchier of the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, who first presented his work to the public at an influenza conference in Malta in September.

Fouchier said the strain circulates in animals, particularly birds, but rarely affects humans.
In the ten or so years since bird flu first emerged in Asia, fewer than 600 cases have been reported in humans. But the H5N1 strain is particularly vicious, killing roughly half of patients diagnosed with it. What stops it from becoming a major threat to public health is that it does not readily transmit from human to human. Or at least it didn’t – until now.

Researchers in Fouchier’s team used ferrets – test animals which closely mimic the human response to influenza – and transmitted H5N1 from one to another to make it more adaptable to new hosts. After 10 generations, the virus had mutated to become airborne, which means ferrets became ill from merely being near other diseased animals.

A genetic study showed that the new, dangerous strain had only five mutations compared to the original one, and all of them were earlier seen in the natural environment – just not all at once. Fouchier’s strain is as contagious as the human seasonal flu, which kills tens of thousands of people each year, but is likely to cause many more fatalities if released.

"I can't think of another pathogenic organism that is as scary as this one," Paul Keim, a microbial geneticist who has worked on anthrax for many years, told Science Insider. "I don't think anthrax is scary at all compared to this."

Now Keim, who chairs the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), and other members of the body, have a very difficult decision to make. Fouchier wants his study to be published. So does virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka, who led similar research in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the University of Tokyo, and reached comparable results. And it is up to NSABB to give them the green light.

Many academics and biosecurity experts are naturally cautious about releasing information which could provide any bioterrorist with a ready recipe to hold the world to ransom. Some argue that such work should never have been done in the first place and call for international monitoring of potentially harmful research.

"It's just a bad idea for scientists to turn a lethal virus into a lethal and highly contagious virus. And it's a second bad idea for them to publish how they did it so others can copy it," believes Dr. Thomas Inglesby, a bioterrorism expert and director of the Center for Biosecurity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

However the very same data, if made available to the scientific community, could potentially allow humanity to prepare for an H5N1 pandemic, which Fouchier’s study has shown to be far more probable than was previously believed. Clamping down on freedom of information in the scientific domain may in the end leave us defenseless against the flu, should it arise naturally.
NSABB plans to issue a public statement soon, says Keim, and is likely to issue additional recommendations about this type of research. "We'll have a lot to say," he says.

source: rt.com

Radioactive contaminated Japanese vegetable in Singapore!

2011-03-25T10:11:00.002+08:00

SINGAPORE - SINGAPORE said on Thursday its authorities had found low levels of radioactive contaminants in four samples of vegetables imported from Japan.

It said samples of wild parsley, rapeseed plant, mustard and perilla leaf were found to have elevated levels of radiation, although an adult would have to consume 3.5kg of these vegetables to receive a similar amount of radiation as one X-ray.

The contaminated samples were imported from the affected prefectures of Tochigi and Ibaraki, as well as Chiba and Ehime which are outside the affected areas.

Earlier on Thursday, Singapore suspended the import of milk, meat and produce from areas near Japan's crippled nuclear power plant due to worries of radiation contamination.

Source: The Straits Times

No radiation in Malaysia for now. Don't worry :)

2011-03-18T11:48:00.002+08:00

DENGKIL, March 17 (Bernama) -- The government assured that Malaysia is not affected by radiation wafting over Japan from the damaged power plant at the Daiichi nuclear complex in Fukushima, 240km north of Tokyo.

The assurance was given by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili in response to fears among the public over the risk of radiation following the incident (explosion) on Monday.

"The Malaysian public need not worry and should not believe rumours or SMSes disseminated to them on the matter," he said after visiting the Atomic Energy Licensing Board, here, Thursday.

Ongkili said the Environmental Emergency Response Mechanism activated by the World Meteorological Association to monitor, among others, the radio-active particles leaked from the damaged Japanese nuclear reactors showed the particles moving south-east towards the Pacific Ocean.

"It is not possible for the radiation, which is at a low level, to reach us here," he said.

Ongkili said the control mechanism for the entry of radioactive materials through cargo or people was by using the radiation portal monitors at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the country's other international airports.

"All passengers arriving in this country will be screened through this device and so far, no passenger has been detected to be exposed to radiation."

He said this in response to an international agency news report saying that three Japanese were detected to have radiation readings at unsafe levels during checks at the Incheon International Airport, South Korea.

Ongkili said screening was also being carried out at Tanjung Pelepas and Klang ports for radiation-affected goods from foreign countries, especially Japan.

Source: Bernama news

Again in Malaysia?

2011-03-11T01:37:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai confirmed today the influenza outbreak at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training College (Pulapol) is not H1N1.

He said a team of medical experts had been despatched to the training college yesterday to carry out investigation after 39 of its trainees reported to suffer from influenza-like illness (ILI).

"The situation there is under control," he said.

The first batch of 22 police trainees were down with influenza-like symptoms on Saturday, and 17 more on Sunday, with four being were warded in the intensive care unit, he told reporters after attending the opening of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 12th Parliament by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Parliament House here today.

Liow said none of the cases were confirmed to be either H1N1 or leptospirosis.

"We suspected it could be viral infection. All the patients showed influenza-like illnesses such as flu and fever. We will continue to monitor the situation," he said.

Liow said although H1N1 pandemic was over last year, the people should continue to stay vigilant and take care of their health.

He said those who suffer from ILI should also limit contact with others and maintain high level of hygiene.

Source: NST Malaysia

The flu still exist!

2011-03-11T01:27:00.001+08:00

Hong Kong reports another flu A/H1N1-related death

HONG KONG, March 10 -- Hong Kong reported another flu A/H1N1-related death case and two newly confirmed influenza cases, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA) said Thursday.

According to the HA, a 21-year-old female patient died Thursday due to continued deterioration of clinical condition.

As of 2 p.m. Thursday, two more cases of flu A/H1N1 have been confirmed, including a 67-year-old male patient and a 24-year-old female patient, both in critical condition.

To date, nine influenza patients are still staying in the intensive care units of public hospitals in Hong Kong, including the newly confirmed cases.

Source: Xinhuanet.com

School closed after suspected A/H1N1 flu detected

2011-03-11T01:26:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 -- A school in Malaysia has been temporarily closed on Wednesday after 166 students developed symptoms of the A/H1N1 flu.

The students were found to have sore throats and coughs Wednesday morning, and were asked to receive medical treatment and rest at home, reported China Press, a local Chinese Daily.

According to the newspaper, the secondary school ordered all co- curricular activities to be stopped, but changed its decision later at noon to close the school for the rest of the day.

The school was quoted as saying that two teachers from the school had been hospitalized. While the daughter of one of the teachers was said to have been tested positive for A/H1N1, the saying was yet to be confirmed.

The daily also reported that a form four student from the school, who had earlier returned from an overseas trip, died on her way to the hospital after she fainted at school recently.

However, the brother of the deceased clarified that his sister had succumbed to bacterial lung infection.

Malaysian Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai had earlier assured members of the public that the fatal disease was well controlled, and was not spreading.

There was also no indication that the second wave of A/H1N1 flu was imminent in the country, added Liow.

Source: Xinhuanet.com

Malaysia first superbug case

2010-10-27T00:15:00.002+08:00

GUA MUSANG: One case of antibiotic-resistant superbug infection was detected in Malaysia last month, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today.

Although the woman patient had fully recovered and posed no danger to the public, the ministry would continue taking precautionary measures to ensure that the bacteria did not spread, he added.

"She has been discharged from Ampang Hospital but is still on medication. She has another illness, leukaemia... the superbug did not cause any lasting harm to her," he told reporters at the nomination centre for the Galas state by-election here.

he said that she did not infect anyone because "the bacteria only colonises the body of the carrier," he added.

Liow said that overuse of antibiotics was one cause of superbug infection.

The ministry therefore instructed all doctors in the country not to prescribe more antibiotics than were necessary, he added.

The superbug infection was first detected in 2008, with cases reported in India, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. - BERNAMA

Meanwhile,

Recently, China found three cases of bacteria carrying the New Delhi metallo-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) gene, known as a superbug for resistance to antibiotics, on three mainland patients, two newly-born babies and one old patient. Now, the old patient is dead due to lung cancer, according to CCTV's report.

The superbugs were found from those collected and preserved bacteria in a joint inspection by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences. Two of the superbugs belonged to two newly-born babies in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and another belonged to an old patient in Fujian Province.

The two babies were low-birth0weight infants, and they started suffering diarrhea and respiratory infection two or three days after they were born. Now the two babies have been cured and are in good condition.

The old patient in Fujian Province had already died because of terminal lung cancer on Jun. 11. However, whether the influence of superbug existed or how it affected the patient's sickness is not sure now.

By Wang Hanlu, People's Daily Online

25% influenza cases surge in a week - Malaysia

2010-08-21T03:59:00.002+08:00

(Kuala Lumpur) A (H1N1) influenza confirmed cases rose 25 percent in a week; from last week's 51, in 8 to 14 August increased to 64.

Director of Health Tan Sri Ismail said in a statement, Malaysia's cumulative A (H1N1) cases increased to 15,584 cases, while the death toll still remained at 92.

"During this period, new cases of mass infection flu-like from last week's decreased from 13 to 7 cases, but the state involved increased from 5 to 6."

Treatment for flu-like case on patients decreased by 8.9%

In addition, he said, in the hospital treatment for new patients with flu-like also decreased by 8.9%, a decrease from last week's 563 to 513 people.

As from the last day of the record, there are 60 government hospitals in Malaysia and 9 private hospitals are having treatment of flu-like cases in a total of 360.

"From this case, there are only 34 or 9.4% of laboratory-confirmed by influenza A cases, including three in the intensive care ward for treatment, belonging to high risk of influenza base."

He said that while the global A-type influenza infection has entered the final stage, but he reminded the public not be taken lightly, still need to take control and preventive measures, because the spread of this germ is expected to last for many years as seasonal flu.

Source: SinChew

China: A influenza alert is still rampant some countries

2010-08-18T00:36:00.004+08:00

(China ‧ Beijing) Although the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that A (H1N1) influenza pandemic outbreak ended, but in some countries and regions the influenza virus threat has not been lifted, these countries are not taking any chances to reduce the works against A H1N1 .

China's Health Ministry said in a statement recently, they will cooperate together with the relevant departments, and follow the WHO instruction, combined the China's actual situation, and start further research on adjusting the existing A-type influenza prevention and control measures.

China's influenza surveillance data show that China A-type influenza activity remained at low level since mid-April this year, weekly reports of influenza A confirmed cases does not exceed the number of 30 cases, and have been last long for 12 weeks with no deaths, the influenza-like illness outbreaks significantly lower than in previous years ago.

The next few years to change the form of infection

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan Tuesday (Aug. 10) has warned, entering a "post-pandemic" influenza A virus does not mean completely disappear in the next few years, the flu will be the same as with other forms of seasonal flu spread .

She also urged Member States still need to be vigilant against influenza virus.

Taiwan Tuesday informed the first father and son has died of influenza type A infection cases. This father and son are the first 45 cases and first 47 cases of type A influenza deaths in Taiwan.

At the same time, the rainy season in India, not only the virus spread more rapidly, is also likely to have become more deadly type of mutation. In New Delhi, there are five cases of deaths at Tuesday.

All India Medical College of Community Medicine department head Singh said that because of the rainy season and continued to increase case, including the mutation of the virus, and patients with underlying disease and delay the treatment, are possible reasons for the high death rate.

Source: SinChew

More news at: AOLnews

Rat urine disease in Junaco Park pond - Malaysia

2010-08-17T00:46:00.003+08:00

SIBU - The leptospira bacteria has been found in a pond at Junaco Park (above) which was used for National Service training and another place at Tasik Taman Prekreasi at Permai Road in Sibu.

In a press statement Thursday, Junaco Park manager Khin Siong Hii clarified that the Health Department had informed them of the bacteria after testing was done last December.

Leptospirosis which is known as rat urine disease is an infectious disease caused by leptospira bacteria which can be transmitted to human from animals or even through food.

He assured that the pond was closed and all water activities were not allowed in the pond. Due to the fasting month, he said the 226 National Service trainees had taken their training indoor.

The 50-hectare Junaco Park which is 16 miles from Sibu town is one of the camps used for National Service training in Sarawak.

Image source from MalaysianMirror

Complete news

What is LEPTOSPIROSIS - (Bacterial from Rat Urine)?

LEPTOSPIROSIS is a rare bacterial infection that occurs when humans come into contact with water, wet soil or vegetation with animal urine or feces that contains leptospira. It is potentially fatal because it affects the liver.

here is a likelihood that you have leptospirosis if:

• You live in an area that is flooded
• You recently waded or swam in flood waters
• You have had high fever for 2 to 3 days
• Your fever is accompanied by body pains, chills, headaches, and red eyes (like sore eyes), jaundice (yellowing of the skin), decreased levels of urination, and when urine is tea-colored (a dark amber color)
• These symptoms occurred 10 days after you first waded in flood waters, wet soil or vegetation
• You are male (most cases of leptospirosis occur among males who are more likely to wade in floods)

What to do if you suspect that you have leptospirosis:
• Seek medical help immediately
• Take prescribed antibitotics as early as possible to prevent the progression of the disease
• If the disease has affected your kidney, and there is a possibility of kidney failure, you will have to undergo dialysis

You can avoid leptospirosis by:
• Avoiding flooded areas and refraining from coming in contact with flood water.
• Wearing protective clothing like pants, rubber glove, gloves or rubber jumpsuits if you have to wade through floods. This can protect your skin from bacteria in the water.
• Washing with soap and water the parts of your body that have come into contact with flood water.
• Taking prophylactic medicines that prevent the onset of disease.

Source: Life Moto's blog

Malaysia is prepared to face the Superbug

2010-08-17T00:40:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Monday 16 August 2010 (Bernama) -- The Institute of Medical Research (IMR) is coordinating bacteria surveillance for the New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1) gene, which makes bacteria resistant to almost all antibiotics and thus turning them into "Superbugs".

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the surveillance is performed by a network of hospital-based microbiology laboratories.

"Altough NDM-1 resistance does not appear to be frequent in Malaysia at this moment, gene sequencing will be done to detect the NDM-1 gene in gut bacteria at the IMR in the near future," he said in a statement here today.

Currently, he said, E. coli (gut bacteria) and pneumonia bacteria resistance to carbapenems, a class of beta-lactam antibiotics with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity in Malaysia was low, approximately only 0.2 percent.

The NDM-1 gene first evolved in India but is now widespread in various parts of the Indian sub-continent. It has now been isolated in the United Kingdom and also reported in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Australia and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Mohd Ismail said the Health Ministry would take a careful approach and consider the views of all stakeholders in preparing the National Health Financing Scheme.

He said ministy wanted to ensure the scheme would be much better without upsetting health financing systems already in place.

"It will be fairer and affordable and be able to cover the poor and less fortunate," he said, adding that this transformation was a big step and would take some time.

Source: MySinChew

And I think they should start to inform the public and educate them on how to prevent this SuperBug.

H1N1 timelines key dates

2010-08-13T04:25:00.001+08:00

2009:

- April 24: The WHO announces that around 800 suspected cases of so-called swine flu have been recorded in Mexico, along with seven cases in the United States.

- April 25: The WHO warns that the virus, identified as a member of the H1N1 family, has "pandemic potential."

- April 26: Health authorities step up vigilance measures around the world.

- April 27: First three cases are confirmed in Europe. The WHO raises its level of alert to four from three on a scale of six.

- April 28: The first cases in the Middle East.

- April 29: A 23-month-old Mexican child is the first confirmed fatality in the United States. The WHO raises its alert level to five and calls for preparations for an "imminent" pandemic.

- April 30: WHO adopts the term "influenza A(H1N1)" after veterinary experts point out that the virus is not occurring among pigs.

- May 2: The virus makes its appearance in Asia.

- May 20: The WHO says that A(H1N1) has officially contaminated 10,243 people in 41 countries and killed 80 people.

- June 11: The WHO raises its alert to the maximum level six and declares A(H1N1) the first flu pandemic of the 21st century. The UN body calls on pharmaceutical laboratories to produce vaccines against the virus.

- June 14: One death in Scotland, the first death outside the American continent.

- June 29: Denmark reports the first case of resistance to Tamiflu, considered to be the most effective treatment for the flu by the WHO. The virus continues to spread throughout the world with 11,000 new cases in three days.

- July 17: The WHO says that the swine flu pandemic is moving around the globe at an "unprecedented" speed.

- August 28: The WHO says that the swine flu virus has supplanted other viruses to establish itself as the most prevalent strain of flu.

- September 21: China becomes the first country in the world to launch a mass vaccination campaign.

- September 24: The WHO drops its forecast of needed vaccines to three billion doses from five billion a year.

- October 30: The flu has killed at least 5,700 people around the world, hitting in particular the northern hemisphere where vaccination campaigns are being put into place with the approach of winter.

- December 18: The number of dead passes 10,000, according to the WHO.

2010

- January 22: The WHO says the pandemic is in decline. It has killed at least 14,000 people around the world since emerging.

- April 21: A year after the outbreak, the epidemic has spread to 213 countries and territories. The WHO and national health authorities come under criticism for dramatising the threat of the flu and for the billions of dollars (euros) spent on buying medicines and vaccines.

- June 8: WHO chief Margaret Chan denies that she has been influenced by pharmaceutical firms in managing the flu crisis and denies allegations of a conflict of interest.

- August 10: The WHO declares the pandemic over.

Source: The Vancouver Sun

End of H1N1

2010-08-13T04:19:00.002+08:00

ATLANTA - The World Health Organization announced Tuesday that the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic is over. The agency says about 19,000 people worldwide have died of complications from the virus since April of 2009.

While no longer considered a pandemic, the H1N1 isn't gone entirely and is still circulating and making people ill. The flu is no longer affecting people in the numbers seen in the last 15 months.

Georgia was hit by two waves of infections. The first wave hit in May of 2009 and the second hit in August and September.

But, what a difference a year can make.

A year after Emory started recruiting the first volunteers to test out a new H1N1 vaccine and Georgia braced for its second wave of swine flu infections, WHO officials announced that the pandemic is over.

Health officials attribute good luck with helping the world avoid a public health disaster. While the virus made a lot of people sick, it never mutated to become more lethal and it never developed widespread resistance to the medications to treat it.

It's almost time to get for people to get their flu shots again. This time, people just need one because the new 2010-2011 vaccine is designed to protect against last year's newcomer and two other flu strains the CDC is already tracking.

"They hope the strains are covered, H1N1 is one of the three included so hopefully there won't be another wild strain out there," said Duellyn Pandis, R.N, of Passport Health.

The vaccine, which comes in both the nasal and injectable forms, may be the best protection against the flu, and the coughs, body aches and fever that come with it.

This year, for the first time, the CDC is recommending everyone 6-months-old and older get vaccinated.

"Even if you had the flu, H1N1 flu, you need to get vaccinated this year to be protected," said Pandis.

This year's push for flu shots could start as early as September, maybe sooner in some areas.

There's a new option for older Americans. Fluzone is high dose for people 65 and older. Research shows it's four times as strong as the regular flu shot and boosts flu-fighting antibodies in the blood.

There's no word yet on whether it lowers infection or hospitalization rates in seniors.

A CDC advisory panel examined at both Fluzone high-dose and the seasonal Trivalent vaccine and did not recommend one over the other, leaving the choice of which shot to get up to seniors.

Source: My Fox Alanta

Super-resistant bacteria from South Asia spreading globally

2010-08-13T03:52:00.003+08:00

(UK - London) This end of super bacteria called "New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase -1" (NDM1), from South Asia. At least one of the patients are now resistant to all antibiotics. Similar cases happened in the United States, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands found that in Britain fled the hospital to recruit members are transmission mode.

Infected patients been to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other places plastic, transplant or cancer treatment, which certainly NDM1 source from South Asia.

NDM1 is the enzyme bacteria, is a kind of Enterobacter, and Escherichia coli and Salmonella which belong to the same class, it will lead to urinary tract and respiratory infections. It can survive in any bacteria, and affect the rest of the bacteria to produce resistant to most antibiotics, and majority of antibiotics couldn't able to deal with it, even "the critical moment" of the hydrocarbon mold vinyl with antibiotics (Carbapenems) is also unable to kill NDM1.

Therefore, once NDM1 combined with the dangerous virus, most likely to turn into a uncured super killer bacteria.

Cardiff University microbiologist Walsh in the medical magazine "Spike" wrote: "Obviously NDM1 will have the possibility to be a global spreading pandemic. This is a multi-drug-resistant bacteria, once in the global spread the antibiotic will be kicked off in the period. "

Although there are two kinds of special antibiotics can kill NDM1, but expected to be lapsed soon, and the development of new drugs may have a 10-year window period.

Globalization, international tourism, medical tourism and migration have led to NDM1 spread rapidly around the world. In United Kingdom at least five people die cause of NDM1.

Source: Sin Chew Daily

Health Department received flu-like cases ‧ 2 students infected by ILI in Sekolah Kebangsaan Menengah Rawang (Selangor))

2010-04-19T19:06:00.009+08:00

(Kuala Lumpur) as of today (Monday, 19 April) at 8 am, the Ministry of Health received a report related to (ILI) group infection which involved 2 students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Menengah Bukit Sentosa Rawang in Selangor state.

Director of Health Tan Sri Ismail said that one of the students had received treatment, and another student was admitted to hospital for observation, the Ministry of Health department is awaiting test results.

He also clarified that Sunday (April 18) in Sarawak Sibu 4-year-old girl's death is not directly infected with influenza A died, the girl is the result of lung and blood bacterial infection complications and death.

In addition, Ismail said, as of 17:30 on Sundays, the domestic total confirmed influenza type A cases was 31, and the cumulative cases up to 13 158.

Currently, there are 550 patients with flu-like hospital in the Malaysia, of which 66 (12%) of the A-type influenza infection. Another two people had just been admitted to the intensive care unit treatment, one person was discharged. There are currently 13 patients treated in the intensive care unit, 10 of which are high-risk group.

Source: Sinchew

4 years old Chinese girl death under the cause of influenza infection in Sarawak

2010-04-19T18:51:00.004+08:00

(Sibu.Sarawak)

After the A H1N1 death cases happen in Malacca and Johor, a 4 years old Chinese girl death under the cause of influenza infection at Sunday afternoon in Sibu hopital. It was the first A H1N1 death case happened in Sarawak for this year.

Sarawak Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Seri Huang Shun Ge announced that the girl died due to influenza A infection on Sunday afternoon.

He pointed out that the girl was transferred from the Bintulu Hospital to Sibu Hospital on April 14, and directly send into the intensive care unit for treatment, but the condition has not improved, and at Sunday afternoon confirmed death due to deterioration.

Under the sand of Health statistics, from January to April 4, Sarawak received a total of 27 confirmed cases of influenza A type.

Since influenza A outbreak last year so far, Sarawak received a total of 1782 suspected cases, of which 751 for the confirmed cases.

Source: Sinchew

List of H1N1 availability in Malaysia authorized by the goverment

2010-04-11T18:52:00.004+08:00

State	Program coordinator	KKM facility
Perlis	Dr Zulhizzam bin Hj Abdullah Tel: 04-9766317 / 019-4001070 SN Kartini Abd Razak Tel: 04-9778333	KK Kangar
Kedah	Dr Uma Salmah Abd Umah Tel: 04-7746137	KK Kuah KKIK Jitra KKIK Bakar Bata, Kota Star KKIK Bandar Sungai Petani KKIK Kuala Nerang KKIK Baling KK Serdang KK Pendang KKIK Sik KK Bandar Kulim KK Guar Chempedak
Pulau Pinang	Dr Saraswathi Binarai Tel: 04-2629902	KK Bayan Baru, Barat Daya KK Bukit Panchor, Seberang Prai Selatan KK Sungai Dua, Seberang Prai Utara KK Jalan Perak di Timur Laut KK Seberang Jaya di SP Tengah
Perak	Dr Asiah bt Ayob Tel: 05-2433962	KK Lawin, Hulu Perak KK Padang Rengas KK Sitiawan KK Hutan Melintang KK Parit KK Jalan Damai, Tapah KK Bagan Serai, Kerian KK Buntong, Kinta KK Taiping
Selangor	Dr Anita bt Sulaiman Tel: 03-51237366/ 03-51237368	KK Kajang KK Pandamaran, Klang KK Kelana Jaya KK Seri Kembangan KK Seksyen 7 Shah Alam KK Taman Ehsan, Gombak KK Kuala Selangor (Kuala Selangor) KK Sungai Besar (Sabak Bernam) KK Salak (Sepang) KK Teluk Datok (Kuala Langat)
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur	Dr Mazliza bt Ramly Tel: 03-26983757	KK Tanglin KK Kg Pandan KK Jinjang KK Batu KK Bandar Tun Razak KK Cheras KK Cheras Baru KK Dato Keramat KK Pantai KK Petaling Bahagia KK Setapak KK Sungai Besi KK Putrajaya
N. Sembilan	Dr Rotina bt Abu Bakar Tel: 06-7641326/ 06-7664927	KK Rasah KK Senawang KK Kuala Pilah KK Bahau KK Rembau KK Tampin KK Port Dickson KK Jelebu
Melaka	Dr Hashimah bt Hasan Tel: 06-2848270	JPL Jasin KK Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah KK Peringgit, Melaka Tengah
Johor	Dr Badrul Hisham bin Abdul Samad Tel: 07-2218866	KPL Mahmoodiah, JB Poliklinik Bandar Maharani, Muar KK Batu Pahat KK Mengkibol, Kluang
Pahang	Dr Mohd. Sapian bin Mohamed Tel: 09-5165402/ 09-5902351	KK Beserah, Kuantan KK Temerloh KK Karak, Bentong KK Dong, Raub KK Peramu Jaya, Pekan KK Bandar Jengka, Maran KK Triang, Bera KK Bandar Rompin, Rompin KK Padang Tengku, Lipis KK Jengka 8, Jerantut JPL Hosp Cameron Highlands
Terengganu	Dr Balkis bt Abdul Karim Tel: 09-6229775/ 09-6229809	KK Hiliran, Kuala Terengganu KK Kuala Besut, Besut KK Dungun KK Kuala Kemaman KK Marang KK Permaisuri KK Kuala Berang
Kelantan	Dr Rohaida bt Ismail Tel: 09-7482573	KKB Kota Bharu KKB Bachok KKB Kuala Krai KK Wakaf Baru Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab, Kota Bharu
Sarawak	Dr Razitasham bt Safii Tel: 082-243812	KK Jalan Masjid, Kuching KK Kota Samarahan KK Sri Aman KK Sarikei KK Jalan Lanang, Sibu KK Bandar Miri KK Bintulu KK Kapit KK Lawas JPL Hospital Mukah JPL Hospital Betong
Sabah	Dr Evelyn Sunggip Tel: 088-236184	KK Luyang, Kota Kinabalu KK Penampang KK Sandakan JPL Hospital Tawau JPL Hospital Keningau
WP Labuan	Dr Zaini bin Husin Tel: 087-428827/ 087-411702	KK Labuan

NS trainees down with H1N1 virus

2010-04-11T18:19:00.001+08:00

Sunday April 11, 2010
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Three national service trainees based at Kem Syruz in Machang Bubok here have been infected with the Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the students, who were in stable condition, have been quarantined in the campsite.

“There is no need to panic as the health authorities have taken necessary steps to keep the situation under control.

“The authorities have also quarantined several other students who have influenza-like illnesses (ILI),” Phee said in an interview yesterday.

Phee, who did not want to reveal the gender of the students, said they could have contracted the virus when they went back home for Qing Ming last weekend.

He said a team of medical officers from the Bukit Mertajam Hospital has been dispatched to the camp to monitor the situation.

The other students, who have been screened and cleared of the virus are continuing with their regular activities.

He added that parents need not fear for their children’s safety as the health authorities and the camp administration have been working closely to monitor the situation.

Phee said these were the first three H1N1 cases reported in the state since January.

Meanwhile, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said there were 62 confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases in hospitals, with seven cases being treated in Intensive Care Units.

He said that as of 5.30pm on Friday, there were 617 cases of ILI in the country and the patients were warded in hospitals.

“As of 8am yesterday, the ministry was told of and has received four ILI cluster cases from Johor and Perlis,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Source: thestar.com

SJK (C) Yak Chee, Puchong 3 confirmed cases

2010-04-10T12:26:00.003+08:00

SJK (C) Yak Chee, Puchong Chinese primary school appears three A (H1N1) influenza confirmed cases, the school three students are currently admitted to the hospital.

The President of School Family Association, said that the school facing the first confirmed case on Wednesday (April 7), Thursday (April 8) and Friday (April 9) took place the first 2 and 3 confirmed cases.

"3 patients in the 2 low-grade student."

He said the school has notified parents this information, and hope that parents are vigilant, particularly those who have a high risk group for families with children.

However, he said, the school attendance rate for the time being not affected, the absence rate for 2 days is about 2%.

He said the school started influenza emergency prevention last week, including hand-washing liquid put in each classroom and distributed masks, also called on students to wear a mask.

He said the school will not hide anything, but it also hopes to alert parents if students appear not be self-isolation.

Source: sinchew-i

60 in hospital

2010-04-10T12:14:00.002+08:00

PETALING JAYA 9 Apr 2010: A total of 60 confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) cases are in hospitals, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.

He said that as of 8am yesterday, there were 554 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the country and the patients were currently being warded in hospitals.

“From that total, 55 cases have been confirmed as influenza A(H1N1) cases while five more cases are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Ismail said that going by reports on cluster cases, influenza A(H1N1) was still active.

“The public must be vigilant and take preventive steps to control it,” he said.

He said six clusters had been reported in Malacca, Perlis, Terengganu and Kedah.

He said 16 students from Kolej Yayasan Saad in Ayer Keroh, Malacca and its college staff; 11 trainees from Lagenda National Service Camp in Asahan, Jasin, Malacca; and six trainees from the Tassoh NS camp in Perlis have received outpatient treatment.

“Laboratory test results for the clusters had not been received,” he said.

He added that 15 students from Sekolah Pondok Darul Iman in Kuala Berang, Terengganu; 35 students from SMK Kelibang in Langkawi and 84 students SMK Kedawang in Langkawi received outpatient treatment.

Laboratory test results showed that they do not have ILI symptoms, he said.

Source: thestar ah1n1 flu news

Stay alert!

2010-04-08T00:51:00.002+08:00

The latest A H1N1 report happen in Malaysia (In Malay version):

Pada 6 April 2010, sehingga jam 10.00 malam terdapat 7 kluster ILI yang dilaporkan seluruh Negara. Kluster-kluster tersebut dilaporkan di tiga negeri dan kesemuanya melibatkan sekolah seperti berikut:

1. Pahang -

SM Sains Pekan melibatkan 32 orang pelajar, semua dirawat sebagai pesakit luar.

2. Selangor -

SJKC Han Ming, Batu 14, Puchong melibatkan 12 orang murid sekolah, 4 daripadanya adalah positif A(H1N1) dan telah dirawat di hospital serta telah dibenarkan pulang.
SM Sains Kuala Selangor, Selangor melibatkan 15 orang murid sekolah dan diberi rawatan sebagai pesakit luar.

3. Kedah -

SJKC Chung Hwa, Kuah, Langkawi melibatkan 46 orang murid sekolah dan dirawat sebagai pesakit luar.
MRSM Langkawi melibatkan 17 orang murid sekolah dan dirawat sebagai pesakit luar.
SMK Mahsuri, Langkawi melibatkan 56 orang murid sekolah dan semua dirawat sebagai pesakit luar.
SRK Bayas, Langkawi melibatkan 54 orang dan kesemuanya dirawat sebagai pesakit luar.

Kecuali bagi kluster di SJKC Han Ming, keputusan ujian makmal bagi kluster-kluster lain di atas belum diterima.

Sehingga jam 5.30 petang 5 April 2010, 118 pesakit baru dengan gejala ILI telah dimasukkan ke hospital untuk rawatan manakala 65 kes telah discaj keluar. Jumlah semasa kes ILI yang masih dirawat di seluruh Negara adalah sebanyak 507 kes di 47 buah hospital kerajaan dan 12 hospital swasta. Daripada jumlah tersebut, 36 pesakit (7.1%) merupakan kes Influenza A (H1N1) yang telah disahkan oleh makmal. Sejumlah empat (4) kes Influenza A (H1N1) dirawat di ICU iaitu dua (2) di Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, satu (1) di Kelantan dan satu (1) di Selangor. Tiada laporan kematian yang diterima semalam.

Source: Kementerian kesihatan malaysia - Situasi Semasa Pandemik H1N1 di Malaysia 2010 Sehingga 5 April 2010

Fourth school in Langkawi closes over flu-like illness

2010-04-08T00:46:00.000+08:00

ALOR SETAR: A fourth school in Langkawi has closed after its pupils were found to be suffering from influenza-like illness.

The Kedah Education Department closed SJKC Chung Hwa after 40 pupils were found with the illness.

Department director Shahidan Abdul Rahman said the school would be closed for five days beginning today.

“This is the fourth cluster of influenza-like illness in Langkawi and the Health Department is closely monitoring all schools on the island.

“Last week, SMK Langkawi Pulau Tuba, SK Bagan Nyiur Selat and SMK Teknik Langkawi were ordered closed between five and six days,” he added.

Shahidan said SMK Langkawi Pulau Tuba was re-opened on Sunday, SK Bagan Nyiur Selat was re-opened yesterday while SMK Teknik Langkawi would be opened today.

It is learnt that the state Health Department is also closely monitoring SMK Mahsuri and Maktab Rendah Sains Mara after more than 20 students from both schools were treated for flu yesterday.

Meanwhile, Kedah Health Committee chairman Dr Ismail Salleh said 200 students from SMK Langkawi Pulau Tuba, SMK Teknik Langkawi and SK Bagan Nyiur Selat were confirmed positive for the A(H1N1) virus.

“All of them were given anti-viral drugs and then quarantined at home. The state had earlier recorded a total of 14 A(H1N1) cases with no deaths recorded.

“The state Health Department will closely monitor all schools, higher learning institutions and colleges,” he added yesterday.

source: the star by EMBUN MAJID

What is Cholera

2009-11-21T23:01:00.004+08:00

According to wikipedia, Cholera, known as Asiatic or epidemic cholera (somtimes), is an infectious gastroenteritis caused by enterotoxin-producing strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.[1][2] Transmission to humans occurs through eating food or drinking water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae from other cholera patients. The major reservoir for cholera was long assumed to be humans themselves, but considerable evidence exists that aquatic environments can serve as reservoirs of the bacteria. Bla.. bla.. bla...

In brief, Cholera is stomach virus that will cause fatal illness or even death. Possible transmission through eating food or drinking water that contaminated with Vibrio cholera. It's not really related with the H1N1 virus, but is another serious health issue lately in Malaysia.

Image source from wiki.

98 Suspected Of Having Cholera

2009-11-21T22:53:00.001+08:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Cholera outbreak in Terengganu is reported to have become more serious with 11 patients, who showed symptoms of the disease, being tested positive on Friday.

State health director Dr Nordiyanah Hassan said the patients were being treated at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.

So far, she said a total of 98 people were suspected of having infected after showing symptoms like vomiting and acute diarrhea.

Dr Nordiyanah also urged the public with symptoms of the disease to get immediate treatment at the nearest hospital and take precautionary measures to prevent infection.

"Among the precautionary measures are to avoid consuming contaminated food or those which were not well prepared, avoid drinking unboiled water and stay away from dirty food stalls," she said.

So far, only one death due to the disease was reported in HSNZ, involving a 36-year-old man from Kuala Terengganu.

Source Of Cholera Outbreak Identified

KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The use of contaminated fish to make crackers, a favourite snack in the state, has been identified as among the sources of cholera outbreak Terengganu, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said that fish samples taken from two cracker factories tested positive for the vibrio cholerae bacteria.

The fish could have been brought in from a neighbouring country through the Chendering fisheries complex which supplied fish to Kuala Terengganu and Marang, he said.

"Samples from raw chickens taken at the Gong Pauh wholesale market in Wakaf Mempelam as well as samples from two ice factories also tested positive for the bacteria," he told reporters after visiting patients at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here.

He said that hospitals had been receiving news cases on a daily basis, including 85 people with acute gastroenteritis which were admitted today.

He said that so far 621 patients were admitted due to acute gastroenteritis.

Up to 7am yesterday, 482 patients were still being treated in hospitals, including 22 carriers and 138 tested positive for the disease.

He urged the people not to take cholera for granted as it could result in death and other complications.

Meanwhile, a cholera outbreak is also reported in SEMPORNA, Sabah, but the situation is under control and not alarming, said Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran.

He said that the authorities had taken precautionary measures including closing down the Semporna fish market which was believed to be the place where the outbreak started.

"I was told that so far 18 people are down with cholera in Semporna and they are now recovering in hospitals," he told reporters after visiting the fish market on Saturday.

He urged the public to observe hygiene and cooperate with the authorities to prevent the spread of the disease.

-- BERNAMA

Influenza A (H1N1) cluster reported at school in Pahang

2009-11-21T22:47:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- An Influenza A(H1N1) cluster was reported at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Paya Bungor, Kuantan, last week, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.

In a statement, he said the district health office had taken the necessary measures to address the matter.

Meanwhile, he said the death toll from H1N1 in the country remained at 77, with no new deaths reported.

Last week, 619 new patients were hospitalised with the influenza-like illness (ILI).

Up to Nov 14, 448 ILI cases were still being treated at 62 hospitals nationwide, he said.

On the global H1N1 situation, Dr Ismail said as at Nov 8, there were 503,536 confirmed H1N1 cases with 6,260 deaths in 206 countries.

He said the transmissions in the northern hemisphere countries such as North America, West Canada, Europe and Asia showed an unusual increase of ILI cases.

The surveillance in those countries showed that the percentage of the H1N1 virus detected was higher compared to seasonal influenza virus.

Source: Mysinchew

Second wave for influenza A/H1N1 outbreak starts in Thailand

2009-11-21T22:43:00.000+08:00

BANGKOK, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The second wave of the Influenza A/H1N1 outbreak in Thailand has started, Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said Thursday, the Thailand news agency (TNA) said.

In the countryside the A/H1N1 virus is spreading in schools as the winter is affecting Thailand, the minister said.

Also, the people's gathering at festivals during the winter time has contributed to the second outbreak of the new flu, Witthaya said.

Hence, public health agencies nationwide have been instructed to strictly implement preventive measures for four months from November to February to curb the outbreak, he said.

These preventive steps include wearing a face mask, often washing hands, avoiding crowded places, and suspending working or class after developing flu-liked symptoms.

Students, working people, elders, and those with chronic diseases will be closely monitored, the minister said.

On Wednesday the Bureau of Epidemiology reported one more death case due to the A/H1N1 contraction, bringing the country's death toll from the new virus to 185.

Thailand had its first two confirmed patients on May 12.

Source: MySinchew

Thailand's death toll from A/H1N1 desease rises to 184

2009-11-04T23:01:00.001+08:00

BANGKOK, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's public health ministry Wednesday reported two more deaths from the A/H1N1 flu, which raised the death toll from the new flu to 184.

The two new victims occurred during a period of Oct. 18 to 31, the public health ministry said.

Those, who have congenital diseases and are pregnant women, are the most risky groups, Thai News Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Paijit Warachit, public health permanent secretary, said the ministry has adjusted a system of viral drug management to ensure flu patients can access to the drug in time.

Also, the ministry has instructed every hospital to continue closely monitoring those, who develop the A/H1N1 flu-like symptoms, he said.

The ministry has stockpiled some 12 million tablets of oseltamivir for the possible second round of the A/H1N1 outbreak, Doctor Paijit said.

Source: XinHuanet

Beijing's first severe A/H1N1 flu case dies of other illnesses

2009-10-29T23:33:00.000+08:00

BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- A 72-year-old man, the first severe A/H1N1 influenza case in Beijing, died of chronic illnesses early Friday morning even after the flu was cured, local hospital said Saturday.

Xie Baoling was admitted to the Beijing Ditan Hospital on Oct. 4 and was diagnosed as the first severe H1N1 flu case in Beijing, hospital head Mao Yu said.

His flu was cured on Oct. 21, Mao said.

The man also suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory failure, and severe hypertension.

The Chinese mainland reported 2,024 confirmed cases of the A/H1N1 flu in the 48 hours ending at 3 p.m. Friday, bringing the total number to 33,064, the Ministry of Health said Friday.

So far, 26,588 patients have recovered. Fourteen of the 44 patients in serious conditions have been cured, the ministry said.

China is currently experiencing what experts called "a second round of A/H1N1 flu infection," as recent infections are more widespread and increasing rapidly.

The disease has also caused two deaths in other parts of China -- an 18-year-old woman in Tibet who died on Oct. 4, and a 43-year-old woman who died last Friday in the northwestern province of Qinghai.

Source: XinHuanet

U.S. H1N1 Flu Deaths Surpass 1,000

2009-10-28T19:53:00.001+08:00

(United States ‧ Washington) United States President Barack Obama Saturday (October 24) announced that the State has entered the A (H1N1) influenza emergency, due to the country by the tens of millions of infected people, over a thousand people were killed.

The White House said the President Friday (October 23) night and have signed a statement, so that medical personnel can bypass some of the original provisions of the federal government. Officials described this as equivalent to a state of emergency declared before the hurricane landed.

The White House said that the declared purpose is to avoid making sharp increase in the national influenza, which may make the country's medical resources overloaded.

Health officials said the dead among the nearly a hundred people are children and 46 states nationwide flu rampant.

H1N1 kills 13-year-old Toronto boy

2009-10-28T19:45:00.001+08:00

(Canada ‧ Ottawa) Toronto, Canada, a 13-year-old boy infected with A (H1N1) influenza one day die. His father called on all parents to pay attention to child illness.

It pointed out that the unfortunate death of 13-year-old boy is Evan Frustaglio, he was last Saturday's hockey game, developed fever and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and the next day was sent to health clinics.

Evan Frustaglio's condition was misdiagnosed as normal influenza, he lead a number of Tylenol (Tylenol) analgesics and antiemetic medicine after the return home the same day killed at home.

Canada has so far taken place 88 A-type influenza deaths, with more than 1,500 patients hospitalized for observation, nearly 300 patients were diagnosed with serious illness.

A girl died in hospital last Saturday in Ottawa, I believe a second wave of influenza in Canada since the first deaths since the outbreak.

Blood oxygenation appeared to be the key to surviving influenza A(H1N1) for patients suffering respiratory failure

2009-10-13T19:26:00.000+08:00

WELLINGTON: Blood oxygenation appeared to be the key to surviving influenza A(H1N1) for patients suffering respiratory failure, new research showed on Tuesday.

The observational study, carried out by New Zealand and Australian flu investigators between June 1 and Aug 31 this year, showed most patients who experienced respiratory failure after contracting the influenza A survived if they were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a type of life support that adds oxygen to the blood, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

The study focused on 68 patients with severe influenza A associated acute respiratory distress, who received ECMO in 15 intensive care units across New Zealand and Australia.

"We looked at a number of factors associated with patients receiving ECMO, such as the incidence, degree of lung dysfunction, clinical features, technical characteristics, duration, complications, and survival," Auckland City Hospital's cardiothoracic intensive care specialist Shay McGuinness said.

"By doing this we have established the importance of ECMO as a treatment option for patients with severe influenza A(H1N1) associated acute respiratory distress.

"Despite the severity of their illness and the lengthy period of time on ECMO life support most of these patients survived," McGuinness said.

McGuinness said 54 of the 68 patients had survived and 14 had died. Six were still being treated in intensive care units.

"These findings are important to our colleagues all over the world and should be used to facilitate health care planning and clinical management for these complex patients during the ongoing pandemic," McGuinness said.

The study was due to be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Nov 4, but will be published early online because of the importance of its findings for public health. - Bernama

Long safe period

2009-10-11T18:21:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The public has been urged to maintain cleanliness, practice a healthy lifestyle and adopt influenza A H1N1 guidelines.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said although the H1N1 cases had plummeted and no new deaths were reported, the flu was still active in the community.

Eighty-one influenza-like illness (ILI) patients were admitted nationwide while 152 more were discharged today, he said in a statement.

This bring the total ILI cases to 635, of which 31 were confirmed infected with H1N1, while the death toll remain at 77, he added.

He said eight H1N1 patients were still in the intensive care units (ICU) and they were high-risk patients - three were children below five, three suffering from chronic diseases, an obese person and another a child below five with a chronic disease.

-- BERNAMA

843 People With ILI Still Treated At 95 Hospitals

2009-10-01T23:01:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- A total of 110 new patients with symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) were admitted to hospitals for treatment while 157 others were discharged on Thursday.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said that as of today, 843 people with symptoms of ILI were still under treatment at 95 hospitals, including 10 private hospitals, nationwide,

"From the total number of cases, only 70 patients or eight per cent are confirmed with H1N1," he said in a statement here on Thursday.

He said of the total number of H1N1 patients still being treated at hospitals, 17 of them were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including one new case.

Sixteen of the 17 patients in the ICU were in the high-risk groups, like children below five years old (five), obesity (four), chronic illness(six) and one chronic respiratory illness, he added.

He said there had been no death due to H1N1 reported since Sept 19 and the death toll remained at 77 people.

With Hari Raya open houses still being held, Dr Mohd Ismail advised the public to take precautionary measures when attending such a function to prevent the spread of Influenza A (H1N1).

-- BERNAMA

No death for few days

2009-09-26T22:11:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- No fatality due to the Influenza A (H1N1) has been recorded in the country since Sept 19 with the death toll due to the pandemic still at 77, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said.

He said 282 new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) were admitted to hospitals and 130 patients were allowed to return home.

"This leaves 856 patients with ILI still at 95 hospitals, including 10 private hospitals, nationwide," he said in a statement here today.

Dr Mohd Ismail said from laboratory tests conducted, only 178 patients or 21 per cent of those being treated were H1N1 positive.

About 90 per cent of those confirmed infected with H1N1 and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit were in high-risk groups, comprising children below five years old (eight), obesity (four), chronic illness (three) and chronic respiratory illness (two), he added.

He said the H1N1 pandemic was still active and advised the public to seek immediate treatment should they have ILI.

-- BERNAMA

H1N1 Death Toll Stands At 77

2009-09-24T18:21:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The country's fatality toll from the influenza A(H1N1) virus remains at 77 with no new deaths recorded since last Friday to Thursday.

Health Director-General, Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, said 192 new patients with influenze-like illness (ILI) were reported and admitted to the hospitals.

He said in a statement here Thursday 150 patients been confirmed to be infected with H1NI virus and 25 were in intensive care unit (ICU).

"Of the 25 patients in the ICU, 23 were in high-risk groups.

"The breakdown of the risk factors are chronic illness (5), chronic respiratory illness (3), obesity (5), children below five years (8), pregnancy (1) and senior citizen (1)," he said.

Dr Mohd Ismail advised those back from Hari Raya holidays to seek treatment if they had ILI.

-- BERNAMA

No new deaths, 15 new patients with influenza like illness

2009-09-20T22:26:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: The country's fatality toll from the influenza A(H1N1) virus remains at 77 with no new deaths recorded.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said only 15 new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported and admitted to hospitals for treatment.

He said in a statement here on Sunday that the total number of 604 ILI patients were being treated at 91 hospitals, including 14 private hospitals, of whom 151 had been confirmed to be infected with A(H1N1) virus.

"Out of the confirmed cases, 31 are in the intensive care unit. Twenty-two of them are in the high risk group, such as children, having chronic diseases, obesity, respiratory diseases and are pregnant.

"One confirmed case has recently been discharged from ICU," he said.

TheStar

Death toll rises to 77

2009-09-19T18:28:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A 15-year-old schoolgirl became the latest victim to succumb to the Influenza A(H1N1) virus in the country, bringing the death toll so far to 77.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the student, who stayed in a hostel, had died on Sept 11 but the case was only reported to the ministry yesterday.

He said the student, who was asthmatic, received an outpatient treatment for influenza like illness (ILI) at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital on Sept 7.

"However, after four days, she did not show any sign of recovery and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where she was given the anti-viral.

"She succumbed to the illness six hours later and the cause of death was verified as severe pneumonia with H1N1 infection with secondary bacterial infection," he said in a statement here on Saturday.

Dr Mohd Ismail also said that 69 new ILI patients had been admitted to hospital while 150 others were discharged.

"So far, there are 740 ILI patients who are still receiving treatment at 98 hospitals, including 11 private hospitals nationwide, with only 190 patients tested positive of H1N1," he said.

Of the 190 H1N1 cases, 29 patients were still in the ICU, comprising mostly those in the high risk group, namely children, pregnant women as well as those with obesity, chronic diseases and respiratory problems, he added.

More updates on H1N1 can be obtained by contacting the hotline at 038881 0200 or 038881 0300 or via website at http://www.moh.gov.my.

- BERNAMA

77 New Patients With ILI Symptoms

2009-09-19T00:34:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Seventy seven new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms were admitted into hospitals for treatment Friday.

However, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said no new deaths were confirmed for influenza A(H1N1).

He said 137 cases were discharged and that made 821 the number of people with ILI symptoms being treated in 90 hospitals including 14 private ones.

"Of the number of patients being treated 141 patients or 17 per cent have been confirmed for H1N1," he said.

Dr Mohd Ismail said the number of cases being treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU) was 30 (21 per cent) involving three new admittances while three had left the ICU.

"Of the 30 cases, 26 cases that is 87 per cent have risk factors that is eight with chronic illness, obesity (six), children below five years (six), respiratory illness (three) and pregnancy (three)," he said.

He said the Health Ministry urged people, especially those who have ILI symptoms while in hometowns to practice preventive steps during the Hari Raya.

Those steps were:

1. They needed to be isolated from other family members.

2. If they needed to be with family members, to wear face masks.

3. Avoid close contact including hugging persons of high risk like children under the age of five, pregnant women, asthma patients, diabetic patients and patients with low immunity.

4. If possible stay away from crowded places like open houses, 'kenduri', and Hari Raya prayers for fear of infecting others. If they wanted to attend Hari Raya prayers they should wear face masks and have their own prayer mats and not share them with others.

5. While in village, individuals who have flu symptoms should stay away from others, always wear face masks, wash hands often and not visit crowded places like open houses and 'kenduri'.

6. If symptoms do not lessen, individuals should see a doctor and get immediate treatment.

--BERNAMA

Two A(H1N1) Deaths Registered Today

2009-09-16T19:48:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Two new deaths were registered today due to Influenza A(H1N1), bringing the number of deaths till now to 76.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the victims were a 45-year-old woman from Sabah who had high fever and a 19-year-old girl from Bentong, Pahang.

"The first death occurred on Aug 26 and was reported to the ministry on Sept 10 where the woman was admitted to the Tambunan Hospital on Aug 17 for fever, cough and flu for three days. She was referred to the Keningau for intensive treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and antiviral treatment was started.

"However, she died on Aug 26 after 10 days in ICU due to complications of influenza and the death was recorded as 'severe bronchopneumonia with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome' and the case was confirmed to be H1N1 on Aug 19," Dr Mohd Ismail said in a statement here.

He said the second victim was admitted to the Bentong Hospital on Aug 30 for cough for five days and fever for one day and antiviral treatment was started the same day.

He said the victim before that got out-patient treatment for symptoms of cough without fever on Aug 16 and on Aug 31 had breathing difficulties and was referred to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital' ICU.

"However, the girl died on Sept 1 due to 'severe pneumonia with H1N1 infection' and the case was confirmed through laboratory tests on Sept 3. The death was reported to the ministry on Sept 10," he said.

Meanwhile, 156 new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) were admitted to hospital today for treatment while 189 cases were discharged.

"This makes the remaining ILI cases number 881 being treated in 98 hospitals including 11 private hospitals. Of this number, only 141 patients (19 per cent) were confirmed positive for H1N1," he said.

Dr Mohd Ismail said of the 141 H1N1 cases, 37 cases were in the ICU where four were new admittances and four cases had left the ICU.

"Of the 37 cases in ICU, 28 (76 per cent) had high risk factors that is chronic illness (nine), respiratory illness (three), obesity (six), children below the age of five (eight) and pregnancy (two)," he said.

Dr Mohd Ismail said while Muslims were busy make preparations for Hari Raya, the ministry wanted to advise people to practice self-hygiene, not to be indifferent and to seek immediate treatment if they have Influenza A (H1N1).

He said supermarket and shopping complex managements were also called upon to have preventive measures including having hand-washing facilities , a clean environment and sufficient places to throw garbage and masks.

"People are encouraged to have with them the H1N1 kit (nose and mouth mask, tissues and sanitizer) wherever they go while shopping, on public transportation or celebrating at homes of relatives and friends and also to keep up-to-date on latest developments about the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic and steps suggested by the ministry from time to time," he said.

-- BERNAMA

231 new patients with flu-like symptoms warded

2009-09-13T19:57:00.001+08:00

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

One A(H1N1) Death Registered on Friday

2009-09-11T17:31:00.000+08:00

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

Student having exam in hospital

2009-09-08T18:25:00.002+08:00

One of the student who study in SJKC Mak Mandin (Penang, Perai), confirm infected by A H1N1, and sent to hospital for treatment. The student require to having UPSR exam in hospital.

The particular student is a gred A student with having a good result, currently study in 6M class. He was sent to Bagan specialist hospital at sept 7 and confirm infected by A H1N1. The student was arranged to proceed its exam in the next day.

UPSR Candidates Undergo Health Checks

2009-09-08T18:19:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- 517,908 Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) candidates today began sitting for their papers but not before they were examined for fever to look out for Influenza A(H1N1) infection.

As a result four candidates who had symptoms of the flu had to sit for the exam in hospital.

They were one each from Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Ampangan Tinggi, Negeri Sembilan; Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Chong Hwa Pusat, Penang; Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Meradong, Sarawak; and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) Bandar Segamat, Johor.

The process of fever checks was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin who is also the Education Minister at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Bukit Damansara here Tuesday.

"I am satisfied with all steps taken by schools and the parent-teacher associations to ensure the smooth proceeding of the UPSR exam and preventive steps for H1N1," he told reporters when met at the school today.

Observation by Bernama in the federal capital showed everything was normal with no candidates needing to be isolated.

In KELANTAN, 37,531 UPSR pupils underwent temperature checks.

Kelantan education director Mohd Ghazali Abdul Rahman said just a female pupil in Pasir Puteh was found having a high temperature but checks showed she did not have symptoms of the flu and she was allowed to sit for the exam.

In PENANG, one pupil out of 26,510 had to sit for the exam in hospital due to Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

State education director Ibrahim Ahmad said checks for fever were made at all exam centres.

In JOHOR, 63,164 UPSR candidates underwent Influenza A(H1N1) screening and were given masks before being allowed into exam halls.

State education director Sufa'at Tumin said all candidates and invigilators were also asked to wash their hands with hand sanitizer.

Of the 63,164 candidates, 41,008 were from Sekolah Kebangsaan, 19,903 from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina and 2,253 calon from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil.

In KEDAH, 41,226 pupils were tested for Influenza A(H1N1) and given face masks.

State education director Shahidan Abdul Rahman said all candidates would be examined for fever beginning today till Thursday when the exam ends besides being given masks.

565 examination centres have been opened throughout the state involving 3,582 exam officials.

In PAHANG, three UPSR candidates in Kuantan had to sit for their exams in the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for suspicion of having Influenza A (H1N1).

State education director Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Latiff said 14 pupils had to take their examination in isolation after registering temperatures of more than 37.8 degrees celsius.

28,226 pupils are taking the UPSR exam at 546 examination centres in the state.

In PERLIS, 4,631 sat for the exam and were watched over by 320 personnel. Four of the pupils had to take the exam in hospital while being treated for conditions not related to H1N1.

In TERENGGANU, one pupil out of 24,345 had to take the exam in hospital when confirmed to be positive for Influenza A (H1N1).

The head of the UPSR evaluation and examination sector of the state education office, Hashim Mohamad Zain, said the pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Tok Jiring had to sit for the exam at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.

"Two other pupils positive for the illness and who were quarantined at home were permitted to sit for the exam in separate rooms in their respective schools," he said when contacted.

He said they were students of Sekolah Kebangsaan Cukai, Kemaman and Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Baru, Kertih.

He further said that eight pupils suspected to have the flu were also permitted to sit for the exam in special rooms in their schools.

In SABAH, 46,185 pupils sat for the exam at 1,082 centres in the state.

State education office head for the evaluation and examination sector, Md Nor Md Sharif, said concern about the influenza A(H1N1) virus led to all centres being equipped with thermometers and masks.

However, he said no one had to be isolated due to the virus.

In SARAWAK, 46,311 candidates from 1,263 schools sat for the exam under advisement to wear face masks.

State education director Dr Julaihi Bujang said parents were asked to inform school authorities if their children displayed signs of Influenza A (H1N1).

-- BERNAMA

The Star title on A H1N1 news today: Masks, temperature tests for students not compulsory

2009-09-08T18:17:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is of the view that it is not necessary to make wearing face masks and daily tests of students’ body temperature in schools compulsory to check the spread of Influenza A (H1N1), said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said the Government had issued clear guidelines on the pandemic and as such, it was up to the wisdom of parents and the schools themselves on what action needed to be taken as they would know their own situation better.

He said the overriding issue was practising proper hygiene at all times and donning masks when needed so as not to infect others.

“If we feel our situation is safe, then it is up to our own judgement whether to wear the face mask or not. The question of making this compulsory I think is not necessary,” he told reporters when asked why the two practices had not been made compulsory despite the fact that the death toll due influence A H1N1 in the country had reached 73. Earlier, Muhyiddin had spent about 10 minutes visiting candidates of the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Damansara here on Tuesday.

Muhyiddin said if parents thought their children should be supplied with face masks they could do so.

He said parents and the people-at-large now were more aware of the pandemic following a huge amount of publicity.

“I also think the management of schools understand the situation better. Things are more in control now,” he said.

On the UPSR examination, taking place with the country facing the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, Muhyiddin said the Education Ministry had put in place various measures to ensure no student sitting for the examination was infected by the H1N1 virus.

He said each student sitting for the examination is supplied with three face masks to last the three days of the examination while hand sanitizers was also being made available, at all UPSR examination centres in the country.

Bernama

Continuous 4 days no death

2009-09-07T16:46:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: For the fourth day running, no death from influenza A (H1N1) was reported and the death toll remained at 73 since last Thursday.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said on Monday, however, 228 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) had been warded while 248 more had been discharged.

He said only seven of 48 H1N1 patients undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU) were new patients.

The others included 11 patients with chronic diseases, children under five years (seven), morbid obesity (nine), pregnant woman (one) and respiratory patient (one), he said in a statement.

He said of 1,283 ILI patients, 16.7 percent of them were confirmed H1N1 positive including 48 patients in the ICU. Ismail warned smokers, especially youngsters, that they were at risk of being infected with influenza as the smoke inhaled could affect the respiratory system and expose them to the virus.

"Nonsmokers should avoid inhaling tobacco smoke," he added.

Ismail advised the public to continue to observe the H1N1 safety guidelines.

Bernama

219 new patients with flu-like symptoms

2009-09-06T18:51:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: Death toll due to influenza A (H1N1) remains at 73 as health authorities have not been alerted of new fatality in the past 24 hours.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that 219 new patients have been warded for influenza-like illness (ILI) and 114 were discharged during the past one day.

He said that only 332 patients who were warded were confirmed to be infected with the A (H1N1) and 52 were currently being treated in the Intensive Care Unit.

“With the Hari Raya Aidilfitri around the corner, people will be busy shopping and preparing for the festivity.

“The ministry’s advice is for those who are unwell and individuals in the high risk group to minimise outings so that they will not fall ill during the Hari Raya,” he said Sunday.

Dr Ismail advised the public to maintain a clean and well ventilated home and practice healthy living such as consuming healthy food, drink sufficient amount of water and exercise often.

He reminded those in the high risk group - including those with chronic illness and pregnant women - to immediately seek medical attention if they showed symptoms of the flu as anti-viral treatment would be effective if given to a patient within two days after the symptoms show.

Among symptoms of being infected with the influenza A (H1N1) are fever, headache, joint and body pain, cold and sore throat.

Source: TheStar

Latest record

2009-09-05T15:39:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 301 patients who tested positive for influenza A (H1N1) and 255 others who displayed influenza like illness (ILI) have been admitted to the hospital.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said of the total H1N1 cases, 55 patients were being treated at the intensive care unit while nine were new cases.

“Of the 55 patients, 38 are from the high-risk group comprising those with chronic diseases, respiratory problems, morbid obesity, pregnant women and new mothers, children and senior citizen,” he said in a statement Saturday.

Dr Mohd Ismail said no new death was reported and the death toll due to the H1N1 in the country remained at 73.

A total 1,198 ILI patients are undergoing treatment at 111 hospitals nationwide.

Source: TheStar

Many people still unclear on A H1N1 symptoms

2009-09-04T20:36:00.002+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: Many are stil unclear of Influenza A(H1N1) symptoms despite an aggressive awareness blitz by the media and health authorities, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.

He said judging from the calls received on the ministry hotlines, many were still unaware that the A(H1N1) symptoms were fever, cough, headache, pain in joints and bodyache, cold, sore throat and breathing difficulty.

“We still get many calls asking for the symptoms. Many also call to ask about a vaccine against the flu and we have informed them that there is no such vaccine available as of now,” he said.

Dr Ismail said the five preventive measures which the public should take when it comes to A (H1N1) were to:

* COVER their mouth when coughing or sneezing;

* MAINTAIN good personal hygiene by constantly washing hands, particularly after coughing or sneezing;

* STAY away from individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI);

* AVOID crowded places; and

* STAY away from public places, especially for parents with small children.

Besides the latest record today,

Dr Ismail said that no new deaths were recorded over the past 24 hours and the death toll remains at 73.

Sixty-eight new patients were warded in hospitals for ILI and 103 patients were discharged.

There are currently 1,176 patients with ILI in hospitals but only 236 were confirmed A(H1N1) cases.

Dr Ismail said 49 patients, 10 of which were new cases, were being treated in intensive care units.

Soure: TheStar

Many people still unclear on A H1N1 symptoms

2009-09-04T20:36:00.001+08:00

Death toll now at 73

2009-09-03T17:01:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities have confirmed another death due to Influenza A (H1N1), this time involving a victim who was not in the high risk category, with the death toll now at 73.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the 25-year-old woman from Betong, Sarawak was admitted to the district hospital on Aug 30 for fever, cough and sore throat and had previously sought treatment for a similar illness from the same hospital.

“On Aug 31, she was referred to the Sibu Hospital for further treatment where anti-viral treatment was given. She however died the next day (Sept 1) due to severe pneumonia with H1N1 infection,” he said on Thursday.

He added that laboratory test results confirmed that the victim had been infected with A(H1N1).

Dr Ismail said that in the past 24 hours, 266 new patients with influenza-like illness had been admitted to hospitals while 293 patients were discharged.

There are currenly 1,211 patients being treated in hospitals nationwide, including 11 private hospitals, and only 230 are confirmed A(H1N1) patients.

Dr Ismail said there were 41 cases in intensive care units, including five new admissions.

He said the ministry observed there were still many who had cough, sore throat and even fever who continue to frequent public places when they should remain indoors to prevent others from getting ill.

“They should only go out if necessary and not to go shopping or patronising entertainment outlets and attending gatherings. Even when it is crucial for them to leave the house, they must put on the face masks.

“It seems that many are still not aware how the virus spreads, which is through fluids when talking, coughing or sneezing. The public should also keep their distance from people who are ill apart,” he said,

Dr Ismail said public co-operation was needed to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Source: TheStar

Boy Is 17th Victim Of H1N1 Flu In Singapore

2009-09-03T14:16:00.001+08:00

SINGAPORE, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- A six-year-old Chinese boy became the 17th victim of the Influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore when he died at a local hospital Wednesday.

The health ministry said the boy who was also suffering from acute leukemia, died due to H1N1 pneumonia.

The ministry said that currently, 24 people were hospitalised, including six in intensive care units, at several hospitals in the city-state for treatment of the flu.

It added the number of patients seeking help at polyclinics for acute respiratory infection had decreased from 15,720 cases in the third week of last month to 14,296 last week.

-- BERNAMA

No new deaths, 87 new cases

2009-09-02T17:59:00.001+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The number of fatalities due to Influenza A (H1N1) in the country stood at 72 with no new deaths having been recorded by health authorities in the past 24 hours.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said 87 new patients were warded for influenza-like illness (ILI), while 160 had been discharged.

“A total of 1,238 patients are being treated for ILI nationwide, including in private hospitals, and of the number, only 264 were confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases,” he said on Wednesday.

Dr Ismail said 39 patients, two of them new cases, were being treated in intensive care units and they included patients with chronic illness, a pregnant woman and a post-natal patient as well as children and infants.

“Parents whose children are asthmatic must keep a close eye on their health and take the precautionary measures that health authorities have suggested.

“They must also ensure their children avoid crowded and public areas as much as possible so that they will not contract the illness,” he said.

Soure: TheStar

Students Sitting For Exams Advised To Take Precautions To Prevent H1N1 Infection

2009-09-02T11:26:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Students who are sitting for the upcoming major examinations are advised to take extra precautions, especially on personal hygiene, to prevent the influenza A (H1N1) infection.

The examinations include the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR), Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the students should observe personal hygiene by washing their hands frequently with soap and water and covering their noses and mouths with tissue when sneezing or coughing.

"This is because if students who show symptoms of the disease are sent to school, there is a high risk that they will spread the virus to their friends," he said in a statement here on Tuesday.

I am also having exam now :) Good luck to those same or going to same with me ~

4 Melaka primary school present list normal

2009-09-02T11:14:00.003+08:00

Previously 5 primary school in Melacca been ordered to close because of H1N1, they are now open after a week and only one of the school's student present list aren't well.

The four school that have normal present list are SJK(C) Sungai Udang, SJK(C) KUANG YAH, SJK(C) Malim, and SJK(C) BACHANG respectively. And another SJK(C) Ting Hwa currently have 22 students absent among the 580 students yesterday.

*The school name should be translated correctly, if there is mistake please let me know

Another teacher death in SMK USJ23. Death cause isn't sure yet

2009-09-02T10:55:00.002+08:00

Another teacher from USJ23 SMK was death at last saturday in the hospital. But the actual death reason aren't sure yet.

From the news, this teacher was infected in the period of school holiday, she passed away after a week in the hospital. Previously, the teacher healthy was in a good condition.

The actual death reason is still investigating, once there are any info, I will post it out.

Thailand's (A)H1N1 deaths rise to 130

2009-09-01T17:34:00.000+08:00

BANGKOK, Aug 31 (TNA) - A public health expert on Monday confirmed 11 new Influenza Type A (H1N1) fatalities this week, raising the country’s official total death toll to 130.

Dr. Prasert Thongcharoen, president of the Virology Association (Thailand,) said that according to the weekly report on the swine flu outbreak in Thailand, 11 new deaths were confirmed in the past week as the country’s total A (H1N1) cases rose to 16,876.

The outbreak intensified in the provinces and it was expected that there would be totally 3 million patients, both showing symptoms and not showing symptoms, nationwide.

Dr. Prasert, who also heads the ministry's Medical and Public Health Technical and Strategy Advisory panel on A(H1N1) influenza said it is expected that the outbreak will be eased after 30 per cent of total population or 22 million persons infected with the virus.

He added that among the patients, 40 per cent were infected with virus type A(H1N1) but the seasonal flu patients were also increasing.

He warned that the strict measures should be applied to prevent the mixture between the two strain of virus.(TNA)

Source: MOCT.net

3 more death reported and in checking status

2009-09-01T17:29:00.001+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities are in the midst of determining whether the three deaths reported in Negri Sembilan on Aug 30 were due to Influenza A(H1N1), director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.

“The cases, involving victims aged between 24 and 42, have been forwarded to the Mortality Review Committee, which will announce its findings as soon as possible,” he said on Tuesday.

Currently, 72 people have died in Malaysia due A(H1N1)-related causes.

Dr Ismail said 278 new patients had been warded for influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) over the last 24 hours, while 279 people have been discharged.

He also said that a total of 1,373 patients were being treated for ILIs nationwide and of the number, only 193 people were confirmed to have been infected with Influenza A H1N1. Of these, 43 were being treated in intensive care units.

The ICU patients include 11 with obesity problems, eight with chronic illnesses, eight children, four post-natal and pregnant women, two heart patients and two others with low immunity, and an asthma patient.

“Now that school has re-opened, I would like to remind parents to monitor their children’s health condition. Parents must be vigilant and responsible during these times.

“If children are unwell, please do not send them to school; they should remain at home until they no longer have any flu symptoms. School authorities should also be on the alert and send sick students home,” Dr Ismail said.

Source: TheStar

Singapore reports two more A/H1N1 related death cases

2009-09-01T17:24:00.000+08:00

SINGAPORE, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Health Ministry reported on Monday two more flu A/H1N1 related death cases, bringing the number of total flu A/H1N1 related fatalities to 15.

According to a statement by the ministry, the 14th death case is a 53-year-old male Chinese Singaporean with a medical history of diabetes and hypertension. The patient passed away on Saturday. The cause of death was certified as acute myocardial infarction (heart failure) and pneumonia, contributed by flu A/H1N1 infection.

The 15th death case is a 70-year-old female Indian Singaporean with a medical history of ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, asthma and stroke. The patient passed away on Sunday. The cause of death was certified as pneumonia, contributed by flu A/H1N1 infection and ischaemic heart disease.

Singapore reported its first confirmed case of flu A/H1N1 on May 27. The country's first A/H1N1 related death case was reported on July 18.

Source: xinhuanet

Latest data

2009-08-31T17:39:00.002+08:00

As at 9am Monday, there were no A (H1N1)-related deaths recorded by the Health Ministry.

Dr Ismail said there were 99 new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI), who were admitted to the hospital for treatment while 240 cases were discharged, bringing the total of patients with ILI being treated at 98 hospitals to 1,374.

Of the total, he said 286 patients were tested positive for A (H1N1), of which 46 were in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Of the 46 cases, he said 32 of them had risk factors, chronic illness (9), obesity (9), children/babies (6), post-natal/pregnant (3), heart disease (2), asthma (1) and low immunity (2).

Dr Ismail reminded the public especially those with influenza-like symptoms to wear masks in public places and give serious attention to personal hygiene by washing hands after coughing and sneezing.

Aside from that, he said tissues must be used to cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and used tissues must be thrown into the dustbin.

He said those with symptoms must practice social distancing.

Source: TheStar

A (H1N1): Students with flu-like symptoms urged to skip classes

2009-08-31T17:38:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Parents have been warned not to allow children down with flu-like symptoms to attend school when it reopens on Tuesday after a week’s break.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said students with flu-like symptoms or cough must remain at home until they were free of the symptoms.

“Those with symptoms, even though light, can still spread the virus to others. It is feared if it is spread to high risk groups, serious complications and death can occur,” he said in a statement Monday.

He said teachers must ensure that only healthy students attend classes.

He also said sick students should be sent home or to the clinic for treatment to avoid shut down of classes.

“If this is implemented, it will mean that only healthy students will be in class. Parents will be confident of sending their children without symptoms to school.”

Source: TheStar

One more A(H1N1) death reported

2009-08-30T18:14:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: A 49-year-old unemployed man who died in the Malacca Hospital is the latest victim of Influenza A(H1N1), bringing the national death toll from the disease to 72.

His was the first reported death since last Wednesday when a 24-year-old woman, who died on Aug 19, was confirmed to be the 71st victim by the Health Ministry mortality review committee.

The man was admitted to the hospital on Aug 13 and immediately given anti-viral drugs and anti-biotics, after having fever, cough and vomiting for two days.

His condition worsened due to lung disorders, although he tested negative for tubercolosis, typhoid, dengue, leptospira infection and H1N1 on Aug 18.

The man was moved into the intensive care unit where he passed away on Aug 19 due to "severe pneumonia with septicaemic shock and H1N1", according to Health Department director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.

"The post-mortem biopsy report based on lung samples tested positive for Influenza A(H1N1) on Aug 24," he said in a statement Sunday.

He added that, as of 9am Sunday, 202 new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) have been admitted to hospitals for treatment, while 285 have been discharged.

Source: TheStar

Malaysians Have Low Understanding Of A(H1N1), Says WHO

2009-08-29T18:59:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that Malaysians have low understanding and poor knowledge on the spread of influenza A (H1N1).

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the WHO report he received on Thursday showed that the public did not take H1N1 seriously, leading to an increase in cases.

He said of the four campaigns, that on the wearing of nose and mouth masks, personal hygiene, use of sanitisers and hand cleaning, only the wearing of masks had given the public the most awareness.

"Public awareness on measures to check the spread of H1N1 is still low, despite the many campaigns held from May to Aug. This includes high risk groups.

"It seems that public response and awareness is still lukewarm. We cannot afford to be complacent," he told reporters after launching the "Let's Stop H1N1" campaign organised by MCA here on Saturday.

The report was filed by three WHO experts who were here to monitor the pandemic, including the publicity campaigns and public response.

Liow said the ministry would continue to hold campaigns to raise public awareness via forums, talks and exhibitions with the support of the mass media, political parties and non-governmental organisations (NGO).

However, he was satisfied with the government's proactive measures to check th spread of the virus.

"WHO knows that we have a sensitive and capable system that can trace and detect A (H1N1) patients fast. We are able to track and treat them early.

"Although the death rate in Malaysia is quite high, it is still within the WHO limit."

Malaysia had registered 71 deaths from H1N1.

He said WHO proposed that more beds be made available at Intensive Care Units (ICU) in hospitals to accommodate high risk patients.

"WHO's proposal will be implemented in hospitals as the number of H1N1 patients have increased."

Liow urged public transport operators to place sanitisers at terminals and distribute masks to passengers during the Aidilfitri festive season to check the spread of H1N1.

"The sanitisers will show to passengers that the operators have high awareness of the virus," he said.

On public fears of a second wave of H1N1 at year end which could claim more lives, Liow assured that hospitals had adequate supply of Tamiflu, the antiviral drug used to treat patients.

-- BERNAMA

H1N1: 365 new cases, no death

2009-08-29T18:55:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: No death from Influenza A (H1N1) was reported today, with the death toll still at 71, but 365 people were tested positive with the virus, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.

He said 48 of the confirmed cases, including eight new patients, were in the Intensive Care Unit of whom 37 or 77 per cent were from the high-risk group, including children, infant, new mothers, pregnant women and those with chronic disease, asthmatic, obesity, heart ailment and kidney problem.

Dr Mohd Ismail said a total of 442 new patients with influenza-like-illness (ILI) were admitted to hospitals and 353 cases were discharged until 9am today.

"There are still 1,598 ILI patients being treated at 107 hospitals, including four private hospitals, nationwide," he said in a statement here today.

He said that according to the report by the World Health Organisation, a total of 246,173 Influenza A (H1N1) cases, including 2,890 deaths, had been reported in 182 countries.

He advised the public to reduce their outdoor activities and wear masks, if they had to, to prevent infection. - Bernama

Latest data

2009-08-28T17:48:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry reports that 391 people have been admitted to hospitals for treatment of influenza-like illness (ILI).

However, no deaths have been reported as of 9am on Friday, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican in a statement.

He said out of 1,509 patients with ILI in 103 hospitals nationwide, 218 or 14% were confirmed to have the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

From this, 48 cases were in intensive care for having high-risk factors such as chronic diseases, obesity, heart disease, asthma.

A total of 293 patients were discharged.

Source: TheStar

CAUTION! To people who are at risk

2009-08-26T18:55:00.002+08:00

People who are at risk for severe illness/complications from influenza A(H1N1) infections must SEEK IMMEDIATE TREATMENT
Individuals at risk for Severe Illness/Complications are as follows:

Children younger than 5 years old

Persons aged 65 years and older

Children and adolescent (less than 19 years old) on long term asprin therapy

Pregnant women

Adults and children with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, organ failure, cardiovascular diseases, hepatic, hematologic, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus

Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including that was caused by medications or by HIV infection).

Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities

Individuals who are obese

Source: NST

Penang cancels National Day parade to curb A (H1N1) flu spread

2009-08-26T18:37:00.000+08:00

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has decided to cancel the the state-level National Day parade owing to the effects from the influenza A (H1N1) viral flu pandemic which has so far, claimed 71 lives in the country.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after considering various factors, it was decided that the annual parade and procession, was best cancelled to allay fears over the possible spread of the flu.

Lim urged the public to continue to remain vigilant.

He said this after chairing the weekly state executive councillors meeting at Komtar.

“We will still celebrate National Day on Aug 31, albeit on a smaller scale and shorter duration. It would be a small gathering as our priority is preserving public health.’’

It is believed that is the first time that the state has scrapped a parade associated with the National Day due to the outbreak of a contagious ailment.

Source: TheStar

A (H1N1): 24-year-old woman is the latest victim

2009-08-26T18:36:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: A 24-year-old woman is the latest victim of the Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 71, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.

Dr Ismail said the woman’s death was confirmed by the mortality review committee Wednesday even though the patient had died on Aug 19.

As of Wednesday morning, 324 new patients were warded in hospitals for influenza-like illness (ILI).

The victim, he said, was an obese woman who had suffered from fever, cough and headache on Aug 8 and was warded in a private hospital in Kuantan on Aug 10.

“She was given viral pneumonitis treatment and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit two days later when her condition worsened. The patient was given anti-viral treatment on the same day (Aug 12),” he said Wednesday.

Dr Ismail said on Aug 17, laboratory test came back positive for A (H1N1) but the patient, whose condition became worse died on Aug 19 and the cause of death was due to H1N1 with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

More news in TheStar

Singapore reports 13th A/H1N1 related death

2009-08-26T18:32:00.000+08:00

SINGAPORE, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Health Ministry reported on Tuesday the country's 13th flu A/H1N1 related death case.

According to a statement by the ministry, a 80-year-old Chinese male with a history of chronic lung disease, heart disease and congestive cardiac failure passed away on Monday.

The cause of death was certified as acute myocardial infarction contributed by flu A/H1N1 and chest infection.

Singapore reported its first confirmed case of flu A/H1N1 on May 27. The country's first A/H1N1 related death case was reported on July 18.

Source: xinhuanet.com

A (H1N1): Latest victim is 3-yr-old; death toll rises to 70

2009-08-25T18:45:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: A three-year-old child has died of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, bringing the total number of deaths to 70.

As of 9am Tuesday, 52 new patients had been admitted with Influenza-like illness (ILI), said Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.

The child’s death, he said, had been confirmed by the Mortality Review Committee.

“On Aug 12, the child sought early treatment in the hospital after experiencing seizure and cough for two days.

“The child was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and was given Tamilflu treatment after the child’s condition deteriorated on Aug 13,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

Lab test results indicated that the child had tested positive for A (H1N1) on Aug 17.

However, the child died on Aug 18 and the cause of death was H1N1 encephalitis with cerebral odema and multi-organ failure, he said.

Dr Ismail said 1,345 ILI patients were seeking treatment at 82 hospitals nationwide including a private hospital. Of that number 202 patients (15%) had tested positive for H1N1.

“Of the 202 cases, 42 are in ICU of which 38 cases (95%) had risk factors such as chronic disease (15 cases), obesity (nine cases), diabetes (six cases), children or babies (three), pregnant or postnatal (three) and Down Syndrome (two cases),” he added.

Dr Ismail also said that 152 patients with ILI had been discharged.

He advised parents to monitor the movement of their children during the ongoing school holidays to ensure they stayed away from crowded areas such as Ramadan bazaars, places of worship, shopping malls, cinemas and prevent the spread of the virus.

“We need everyone’s cooperation to help contain the virus.

“It is important to ensure that children are not exposed to infections from individuals experiencing influenza symptoms in public areas,” he added.

Parents, he said, must ensure that children who were unwell and experiencing fever or cough practised social distancing and avoided public places.

“Individuals who have symptoms of ILI, even if it is light, should have a sense of and not spread the infection by going into crowded public places,” he said, adding that those with symptoms should rest at home.

Source: TheStar

Four hundred thousand influenza vaccine will be reached to Malaysia at October and next year January

2009-08-24T18:55:00.002+08:00

According to the Minister of Health's Department, Mr Liow said, the first batch influenze A H1N1 vaccine will be saperate into two batch respectively October and next year January to delivered to Malaysia.

He also mention that 400 thousand vaccine wil be provide to the front line medical person and each of them are required to inject two dose.

Confirmed A H1N1 death on SMK USJ 12 teacher

2009-08-24T18:45:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The SMK USJ 12 teacher who died on Aug 19 has been confirmed to have died of influenza A (H1N1), said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

With this, the death toll now has increased to 69, he said, adding that private clinics and hospitals must expedite diagnosis and treatment.

Source theStar

A(H1N1): Third day without fatality

2009-08-23T16:44:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: No influenza A(H1N1) fatalities were recorded for a third consecutive day, with 306 cases discharged from hospitals.

The number of deaths due to the flu remained at 68 while 306 new cases of patients with influenza-like illness have been recorded.

The number of people hospitalised at 102 hospitals nationwide including two private hospitals are 1, 476 of which 272 patients are confirmed A(H1N1) patients, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican in a statement Sunday.

Source: TheStar

Today 316 new confirmed cases no death

2009-08-22T19:03:00.004+08:00

From the latest record there are 316 confirmed new cases in Malaysia, all of them are being sent to the hospital at earlier since they had the symptom influenza A H1N1.

Beside that, there aren't any death case today same as yesterday.

But there is another unlucky case at Singapore, the 12th death at 20 August 2009.

Singapore reports 12th H1N1-related death

SINGAPORE: A 41-year-old male foreigner is Singapore's latest H1N1-related fatality, and the 12th so far.

The Health Ministry said the man had a history of diabetes. The cause of his death at Tan Tock Seng Hospital was certified as pneumonia due to H1N1 flu infection.

More news regardin the 12th H1N1-related death in Channel News Asia

Latest data

2009-08-21T17:24:00.002+08:00

According to the minister of Health's department, today Malaysia has a total of 380 new A H1N1 cases and no death.

The total accumulated infected amount had reached 5876. There are 220 of +ve h1n1 patients in hospital.

Besides that, you could visit another new website regarding all the H1N1 information in
http://www.h1n1.net.my/
You could also search any nearest clinic on you to have a check

SMK USJ 12 teacher death

2009-08-20T21:13:00.004+08:00

Finaly i get the original news from the news site.

After the rumor regarding the teacher died cause by A H1N1, the Sin Chew reporters go to the school to have some details information. While they reach the school, they saw many of the parents are taking their children away from the school.

According to the news, the headmaster of the school don't make a clear statement about the death. And the school is not going to close. All the question whether the teacher is death under the cause of H1N1 is answered unclearly.

Parents are dissapointed with school action regarding issue.

Parents' Car are parking out side the school to pick their children
Image source from SinChew

Source from: SinChew
Thx to (girl)

The spreading of influenza A H1N1, who to blame?

2009-08-20T19:10:00.005+08:00

I just read some of the news article from some of the newspaper online. Some of them are
criticizing the goverment regarding the regulation on controlling the flu illness, and some of them are emphasize on the people of the Malaysia don't really take this flu as serious issues.

So who to blame in this matter? Start from August, the A H1N1 cases imported from others country are lesser and lesser, and today all of the cases are transimitted by locally. People and people are spreading the illness among themself.

So it's the problem of goverment where they don't take an effective steps to prevent the illness spreading among the illness, or the people don't take their full responsibility to prevent ownself expose to the public when they found sick or wearing mask when going out (it's useful?), or it's the virus are too strong?

Both parties are responsible in this issue.

Some of the articles you should read:
Practical steps needed to check H1N1
DAILY DISPATCHES: To stop H1N1, follow the Mexican wave and shut down everything
H1N1: Gov't should snap out its ostrich mentality
Our disease control measures not good enough

Melacca with the highest influenza H1N1 death rate

2009-08-20T18:17:00.003+08:00

From Wednesday until today morning 8am, there are total 311 confirmed influenza H1N1 cases in Melacca and among the amount, there are 16 deaths and is the current state with highest death record related to influenza H1N1.

H1N1: No more health declarations at airports and other entry points

2009-08-20T18:15:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has stopped conducting health declarations at airports and other entry points since last week.

This was because the number of locally-transmitted influenza A (H1N1)cases was more than imported cases, according to deputy Health director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.

However, scanners and medical staff would remain at airports, especially the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

In the early stage of the outbreak, it was compulsory for inbound travelers to fill the health declaration forms.

Source from NST online

Influenza A(H1N1) hits record high with 569 cases (Update)

2009-08-20T18:11:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded its highest number of influenza A(H1N1) cases in a day with 569 infections.

There was also one death, bringing the total number of fatalities to 68.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said this indicated that the number of detected cases was still on the rise.

“That’s why our surveillance teams are working hard to detect areas that are persistent in local transmission so we can take measures to cut down on it,” he told reporters on Thursday after attending a campaign on prevention and treating A(H1N1).

He added there were 1,533 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) who were admitted to 104 hospitals included four private establishments.

From this, 195 tested positive for the virus while 35 patients are in the intensive care unit.

A total of 188 people have been discharged from hospital.

More news: Thestar

Pregnant Woman Dies, Raising H1N1 Death Toll To 68

2009-08-20T18:04:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- A 33-year-old pregnant woman has died of Influenza A(H1N1) in Johor, raising to 68 the death toll from the disease, Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said on Thursday.

The woman, who was 34 weeks pregnant, died on Aug 13 due to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, he said in a statement here.

She had been admitted to a private hospital in Johor Baharu on Aug 8 after having fever and cough for a day, he said, adding that she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital five days later after having difficulty breathing and was administered the antiviral drug Tamiflu.

Dr Mohd Ismail also said that 195 people were confirmed as being H1N1 positive, 35 of whom were under intensive care at hospitals. Twenty of the ICU cases had been classified as being in the risk category, with the patients suffering from diabetes (four cases), chronic ailments (five), asthma (two), being pregnant or in post-delivery period (four), being obese (one), being special children (two) and children under one year of age (two).

At the same time, 188 people had been discharged from hospital nationwide, he added.

More news in bernama

预防胜于治疗

2009-08-19T10:07:00.004+08:00

由于公眾人士在防疫工作上的配合度很低，依斯邁馬歷勸請公眾注意以下事項：

1）儘管有輕微的流感症狀，也不應到公共場所，應停止上班或上學、停止搭乘公共交通，避免把病毒傳染給高風險一群；輕微也會傳染

2）公眾應該瞭解，儘管症狀輕微，但當他們打噴嚏或咳嗽時，仍舊可把H1N1病毒傳染給人，因此，凡有症狀者應該留在家中，直到病癒才上班上學；

3）出現症狀者如果有重要事要辦，非得出門不可，就應戴上口罩，保持良好的衛生習慣。

另一方面，他說，以下3個群體，一旦出現流感症狀，不必等待化驗確診，即可開始接受抗流感藥物治療：

1）出現流感症狀的高風險群；

2）不屬高風險群，但出現流感症狀，並持續發高燒（攝氏38度以上）超過2天者；

3）快速檢測儀驗出呈陽性反應者，如果在48小時內出現症狀，即可開始接受抗流感藥物治療。

希望公众的配合防疫，到人多的地方最好戴上口罩，尽量保持自己的卫生，

3 more death today

2009-08-18T17:27:00.005+08:00

This 3 death including:

1) One 33 years old women who had been sent to ICU hospital on 7 August and after 4 days she faces a serious pneumonia in a private hospital. And at last end up her life with the caused by bronchopneumonia and the case was passed with positive influenza A (H1N1) on 12/08/09.

2) A 10 years old girl who had been sent to the hospital at July 27 and had been diagnosed as (Systemic Lupus Erythematous). She was death on 13 August caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematous with severe pnuemonia with renal impairment and the case was test as influenza A(H1N1) positive afteward.

3) And the last is a 71 years old citizen who infected by many kind of illness at first. The victim passed away after 2 days in the hospital at 14 August. And the case was proved as positive influenza A(H1N1) on 15 August.

Anyone with symptoms who ignores the Health Ministry’s advice and spreads H1N1 faces RM10,000 fine or two years’ jail

2009-08-17T17:23:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Those found to have wilfully spread influenza A (H1N1), which has so far claimed 62 lives including three yesterday, face a fine of up to RM10,000 or up to two years in jail.

The government has decided to enforce Section 12(1) of the
Disease Control Act in another effort to contain the rapid
spread of the disease, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong

Lai said yesterday.

Court action will be taken against people who have influenza-
like illness symptoms but defy the ministry’s call to seek
treatment, isolate themselves or wear masks.

Speaking after opening the Lifelong Health Carnival for the Serdang area, Liow said: “The Ministry of Health takes this very seriously. We want everybody to abide by our call to help stop the spread of H1N1.

Source from: NST

Two More Deaths From Influenza A(h1n1)

2009-08-17T17:18:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- A seven-month-old boy and a 74-year-old woman are the latest victims who died from the influenza A(H1N1) infection, raising the death toll in the country to 64.

The Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, said that as of 9 am on Monday, a total of 284 H1N1 patients were being treated in the wards while 33 patients who were confirmed positive of the H1N1 were being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) throughout the country, and of the 33 cases, 17 were found to have risk factors.

He said the seven-month-old infant, who was suffering from asthma, was admitted to the ICU on Aug 7 for fever, cough and breathing difficulty for two days.

"However, the infant died on Aug 15 due to severe pneumonia with acute respiratory failure," Dr Mohd Ismail said in a statement, here on Monday.

He said the woman, who was suffering from diabetes and cardiac failure, was admitted to hospital on Aug 10 after losing consciousness at home but died on Aug 12 due to severe pneumonia.

More news in Bernama

Today 3 deaths detail

2009-08-16T20:55:00.002+08:00

1. A six-year-old child with Down's Syndrome and a hole in the heart is the latest of three deaths resulting from complications due to influenza A (H1N1). Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the child who died on Thursday of "pneumonia with underlying Down's Syndrome and Pulmonary Hypertension" was admitted to the hospital on Aug 9 after suffering for two days of H1N1 symptoms.

2. A three-year-old succumbed to H1N1 complications after being admitted to the hospital on Aug 1 for fever and cough and suffering breathing difficulties for five days. Mr Liow said that the child died on Friday due to severe pneumonia.

3. A a 50-year-old man who died on Friday after he was warded on Aug 3 due to fever, diarrhea, vomiting and breathing difficulty. Mr Liow said the man died of "septicemia with severe pneumonia".

News summarized from NST

UTAR (Setapak branch) Biochemistry course stop for 1 week

2009-08-16T15:54:00.002+08:00

Due to one of the student in that course been test positive H1N1, the whole course will be stop for 1 week.

Influenza A(H1N1): Three-hour wait for treatment

2009-08-16T12:05:00.002+08:00

SUNGAI BULOH: Patients who seek treatment at Sungai Buloh Hospital here for influenza-like symptoms have to wait for up to three hours or more.

Normah Sabdani, who took her three daughters aged 1 to 8 for a H1N1 check-up yesterday morning, was upset about the long wait.

Her daughters have been coughing for the past two weeks.

"There is a sign which says children below 2 years old and senior citizens will be given priority, but we have been waiting for three hours.

"The hospital should have opened more counters to check the patients," said the 27-year-old when met at the H1N1 check-up designated area near the emergency unit.

Normah, her husband Gadafi Bardas and their kids arrived at the hospital as early as 8am.

Only two out of four counters at the area were opened to take patients' body temperature before they were asked to proceed for a thorough check-up.

More news in NST

What is the problem now? Not enough medical person? Worse quality of Malaysia hospital? Or the attitude? Or to much patients?

A(H1N1): Three more deaths reported

2009-08-16T12:01:00.002+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Three more deaths have been reported from the influenza A(H1N1) virus, bringing the country's overall death toll to 62.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said of the three new deaths, two were due to delays in administering the patients with viral treatment.

"The ministry will now probe the reasons behind the delay," he said, adding that there were 283 new cases of infection, bringing the tally up to 3,857 cases.

Thirty-three patients remained in intensive care unit while 213 were hospitalised in normal ward.

Liow also warned those with flu that they could be fined up to RM10,000 or jailed up to two years if they did not isolate themselves and spread the disease to others.

news source: TheStar

Jalan Ipoh Chong Hwa Independent High School one class 47 students found ill

2009-08-15T17:54:00.003+08:00

One of the form 1 class in the school and total 47 students been tested having illness, and the all of the students in the class had been ordered to go back home and rest for 1 week. But there are still don't have any H1N1 case in the school right now.

According to the school's headmaster, there are total 53 students in the class and only 6 of them temperature are below 37 celcius other than that are between the range of 37.5 to 38 celcius.

A(H1N1): Three new deaths and a total of 209 new A H1N1 cases today in Malaysia

2009-08-15T17:47:00.002+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Three more deaths from Influenza A (H1N1) have been reported, bringing the total to 59 and all of them were among the high-risk group, said Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.

The first was a 22-year-old man, who was obese, and the second one was a 29-year-old man, who suffered from valvular heart disease.

The third fatality was a 44-year-old woman with a history of asthma, who died of pneumonia.

The 22-year-old man died of viral pneumonia while the cause of death for the 29-year-old man was severe bronchopneumonia.

Dr Ismail said members of the public with mild influenza symptoms were still visiting shopping complexes, traveling, working, going to school or taking public transports.

“The ministry found that many of them did not wear masks while those who do wear masks are the healthy ones,” he said.

He urged those with influenza symptoms to stay home until they recovered.

Dr Ismail said antiviral treatment would only be given to three groups - those with influenza-like illness and showed risk factors, those with high fever (more than 38c) for more than two days and those who took the rapid test and were found positive for the virus.

“We want to clarify that the vaccine for Influenza A is still not available yet while the one available in the market is for seasonal flu,” he said.

Source: TheStar

Today H1N1 case increased another new 209 in Malaysia, brings the total of 3574 cases.

11th H1N1 related death case in Singapore

2009-08-15T11:19:00.002+08:00

An 80 year old Chinese male with several co-morbidities, including Parkinson's Disease, passed away on 14 Aug. The cause of death has been certified as pneumonia due to Influenza A(H1N1). Patient presented to NUH's ED on 6 Aug with a history of sudden onset of drowsiness and a 1 week history of fever and cough.

Table last updated 14 August 09

Public Hospital	*Hospitalised (in ICU)**
Alexandra Hospital	2(1*)
Changi General Hospital	7(1*)
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital	5(2*)
National University Hospital	10(2*)
Singapore General Hospital	13(2*)
Tan Tock Seng Hospital	20(1*)
CDC	7
Total	64(9*)

Source from: Influenza A Home - Singapore Goverment Crisis News Website

They have a nice website with systematic design and information, the most important is that their website is easy to access, unlikely Malaysia goverment official h1n1 website.

Both Sg Long and Setapak branch UTAR found A H1N1 case.

2009-08-14T22:22:00.000+08:00

From the latest news i have, the Sg Long UTAR student from marketing course (Y3S2) have been quarantine already. And the Setapak UTAR is a biochemistty course student.

From the mouth of my friend, he told me that the infected person from Sg Long UTAR infected by A H1N1 after came back from shopping.

Besides that, few day ago another death related with A H1N1 in SMK Sg Long happened too.

Thanks to all who providing the useful information.

Premature Baby Among 5 Latest Fatal Cases From Influenza A(H1N1), a total of 56 death now

2009-08-14T22:13:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- A premature baby was among five who died from Influenza A(H1N1) between Aug 8 and 12, bringing the total number of deaths from the disease to 56.

Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said in a statement Friday that one died on Aug 8, two on Aug 11 and other two on Aug 12. One of them was obese, one had diabetes, another had diabetes and tuberculosis, and the other two were babies.

He said the premature baby was born at 27 weeks and warded on Aug 3 for fever, cough, a cold and breathing difficulty. The baby was given anti-viral and other treatment but died on Aug 12.

The other baby, two months old, was admitted on Aug 7 as it was weak and pale although it was not having fever, cough or breathing difficulty. However, the baby was placed in the intensive-care unit (ICU) after its condition became critical and died on Aug 8.

Another two cases involved a 49-year-old obese woman who had diabetes and tuberculosis and a 57-year-old man who also had diabetes.

The woman was admitted to hospital on July 29 for fever, cough, sore throat and breathing difficulty. She was treated for pneumonia and discharged on Aug 3 but readmitted four days later for treatment of tuberculosis.

On Aug 8, she was given anti-viral treatment for suspected H1N1 infection but died three days later.

The other two fatal cases were a diabetic man who did not respond to treatment for fever and cough, and a 19-year-old youth who was tested positive for H1N1. They died on Aug 12.

More news in Bernama

Total 40 NS camp affected by H1N1, 6 still in closing mode currently

2009-08-14T20:54:00.003+08:00

Total 40 National service camp in Malaysia closed because of H1N1, and currently there are still 6 haven't open yet. The others 34 camp are totally open but there are still some of the students sick and have to self quarantine.

The current 6 close camp.

Image source from SinChew

Puchong SJK(C) YAK CHEE students infected by A H1N1

2009-08-13T18:30:00.002+08:00

Source from cari forum

The user "Doraemon" said that her daughter study in SJK(C) YAK CHEE and her relative said that last Friday one of the student in 3E class infected by A H1N1. And than today there are 3 students infected too.

Besides that, most of the students in SJK(C) YAK CHEE skip their class too. The school incharge person had contact the Education department to gain the permission of close the schools, but in the earlier, the minister of Education department announced that only there are 5 or more than 5 persons infected by H1N1 only allow to close the school.

For more information regarding the Puchong SJK(C) YAK CHEE A H1N1 information you could call the school number (03-8070 1161)

Mad prices for flu mask

2009-08-13T16:01:00.003+08:00

After the A H1N1 in Malaysia start to break out especially the death toll increasing day by day, the masks' stock start to limit due to sales of the mask increased by an abnormal way in the short period.

According to Mr. Lieo, some of the mask sellers try to increasing the mask price, try to make a huge profits within the period. Some of them are more overly increasing the price from original RM 0.30 to RM 5 per mask.

This is very unethical behavior, try to take advantages over the critical situation.

Seven More Deaths Today, A(H1N1) Death Toll Rises To 51

2009-08-13T15:57:00.001+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Seven more deaths relating to Influenza A(H1N1) were confirmed on Thursday, bringing the death toll in the country to 51.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the seven deaths were from the high-risk group who had high blood pressure, heart disease, low imunity or congenital disease.

They were aged between four months and 92 years old.

"Currently, there are 51 cases in the wards, 29 in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and 16 out of the 29 in ICUs are from the high risk group," he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Association For The Study of Obesity (MASO) Conference here.

Liow said patients with influenza-like symptoms and heart problems, those with persistent high fever for more than two days and those tested positive for Influenza A or B through rapid test would be given antiviral treatment immediately.

For these groups there was no need to wait for a confirmation from the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) or the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

"I have directed all hospitals and clinics to threat these groups of patients immediately," he said.

Liow also urged doctors to give seven days' medical leave to those suffering from flu so that they could continue treatment at home and not expose themselves to the public.

He also called on the people not to panic because 98 per cent of those who contracted the disease had recovered.

More news in Bernama

Singapore Reports 10th H1N1 Flu Death

2009-08-12T21:41:00.001+08:00

SINGAPORE, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- A 43 year- old Chinese woman became the 10th victim of Influenza A (H1N1) in Singapore when she died at Changi General Hospital Wednesday.

The Singapore Health Ministry said the woman was sent to the hospital's emergency department yesterday by ambulance after she was found unconscious at home.

She had a history of fever, cough and flu-like symptoms for more than a week and was later admitted to the intensive care unit where she was tested positive for the flu.

However, her condition deteriorated and she passed away this morning.

The ministry said the cause of her death had been certified as bronchopneumonia contributed by the flu infection.

-- BERNAMA

A(H1N1): 6 more deaths, total fatalities at 44

2009-08-12T18:09:00.000+08:00

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.

Source: TheStar

Johor 303 confimred cases and extra 2 death

2009-08-11T21:25:00.003+08:00

Johor Bharu, today 2 more death cases in Johor, and toll mouted to 9. The 8th and the 9th death was happen in Batu Pahat, respectively 43 and 51 years old.

Currenlty there are 90 patients are having treatment in the hospital incentive care unit 43 of them are positive result and 47 of them still waiting for test result.

Nurses are using thermometer machine to track each of the people in the hospital.

Image source from SinChew

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