16 new H1N1 cases emerge

Borneo Bulletin Sunday 12 July 2009

By Azlan Othman


The Ministry of Health yesterday reported that 99 close contacts of Influenza A H1N1 cases have completed their quarantine. Nine confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 have completed their treatment or have been discharged from the hospital.

For the 120 cases that were still undergoing treatment, 85 per cent were continuing treatment at their homes. 16 new cases of Influenza A H1N1 have been confirmed and the source of infection is still being investigated.
The Ministry of Health continues to remind the public to practice good personal hygiene in order to control the spread of the disease through frequent hand washing using soap and water and drying hands using disposable napkins or electrical hand dryer, use of disposable tissue paper containing alcohol or antimicrobial gel in the absence of a hand washing facility.

The ministry also advised the public to cover nose and mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing and immediately throw the tissue paper away in the rubbish bin, avoid being with people who have symptoms of influenza and avoid going to crowded places.

The Ministry of Health also continues to remind the public that although Influenza A H1N1 infection has generally been reported as mild, it can cause serious complications to pregnant mothers and patients with underlying chronic diseases.

Cooperation from the public, especially those visiting patients in the hospitals, is therefore sought to prevent the spread of the infection to the patients that they are visiting. The public is reminded to adhere to visiting regulations at all hospitals.

For general enquiries on Influenza A H1N1, the public can contact the 'Healthline 145' during office hours or 8220991 outside working hours.