Malaysia: H1N1: Take precautions, people told

2010/04/03

By Annie Freeda Cruez

KUALA LUMPUR: At least 145 schoolchildren from several schools were reported to be suffering from suspected influenza A (H1N1) in another 10 new cluster cases reported within four days of this week.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the cases whose victims, included primary and secondary school children, were reported in Kelantan, Perak, Kedah, Selangor and Malacca.

Another 48 victims included trainees at a national youth institute, residents in Jalan Jasin-Merlimau, staff of Purnama Beach Resort in Pulau Pangkor and workers of Madrasah Bustanul Ulum Abu Bakar in Malacca (see table).

Throat swabs have been taken from all of them who came to government hospitals and health clinics with influenza-like illness (ILI) to ascertain if they were victims of H1N1.

In view of many cluster cases, especially among schoolchildren and those in institutions, Liow called on parents to adhere to the following measures, namely:

- Schoolchildren with fever, cough and sore throat must get immediate medical treatment and remain at home. They are not to go to schools or universities. These students can only go to schools or colleges once they have fully recovered;

- They must wash their hands regularly with soap and water;

- They must cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and use face masks to avert spread of fever, cough and sore throat to other family members;

- They must adhere to the cough and sneeze etiquette at all times by using tissue or handkerchief. Throw used tissues into the rubbish bin and do not share used items with others, and;

- Take plenty of fluid, eat a balanced diet and have enough sleep.

Liow urged those who came in contact with people with H1N1 or ILI to adhere to social distancing, besides washing their hands with soap and water or using hand sanitisers after coming into contact with patients and touching things in public places.

"I call on the people to lead a healthy lifestyle by doing regular exercise, eating healthy and nutritional food, drinking lots of water and ensuring they have sufficient sleep."

He said those in the high-risk category, especially pregnant women and children, should take extra precautions so as not to be infected.

He also cautioned kidney failure patients, those with chronic diseases and individuals with morbid obesity to get themselves vaccinated against H1N1.

"High risk group people can get themselves vaccinated at any of the 104 government facilities," he said, adding that front liners must ensure that they were protected against the disease.

Liow reminded Malaysians that due to limited doses of vaccination available, it was on a first-come-first-serve basis.

"I must stress that the virus is still spreading very actively in Malaysia although the situation is still under control.

"It's important that Malaysians take all precautions to prevent being infected with the disease."

He added the pandemic was seeing an increase during the past three weeks, with an average of at least 50 positive cases being reported every week compared with 20 cases a week in January and February. Between May last year and April 1, a total of 12,688 people were infected with the diesease.

As of Thursday, 380 people had been warded in hospitals nationwide, with 32 of them confirmed positive for H1N1.

The death toll stands at 77.