22 new cases recorded

(Borneo Bulletin 7 July 2009)

By Azim Ghani

Schools throughout the country reopened yesterday

for a new term. Photo shows a student's temperature

being checked by a teacher. - JAMES KON

The Ministry of Health has said that as of yesterday a total of 313 close contacts of Influenza A (H1N1) have completed their quarantine period and 67 confirmed cases have completed their treatment for the disease.

As of 4pm yesterday, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 22 new cases of the virus bringing the total in the country to 164 cases.
Of the 18 cases reported on Sunday, four cases have travel history to neighbouring countries whereas three are local cases, whilst investigations are still in progress on the remaining 11 cases.

With the start of the new school term yesterday, the Ministry of Health has reminded the public, especially parents and guardians, to constantly monitor the health of their children and, if possible, check their body temperatures and health condition before sending them to school.

For children with symptoms of Influenza H1N1, parents and guardians are advised not to send them to school and to immediately seek medical attention.

They are advised not to send their children to extracurricular activities, extra classes or tuition classes and also keep their children isolated from other family members and friends and not bring them to public places including shopping malls and recreational parks, family gatherings or functions.

As Influenza A (H1N1) is highly infectious and can affect everyday activities for those who are infected, the ministry also reminded the public to maintain good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing using soap and water and drying hands using disposable napkins or electrical hand dryer or use disposable tissue paper containing alcohol or antimicrobal gel in the absence of a hand washing facility.

The ministry also advised people to cover their nose and mouth with tissue paper when they cough or sneeze and dispose them of in the rubbish bin and avoid contact with people who have symptoms of the virus and crowded places.

For further inquiries and information, the public can contact Healthline 145 during office hours and 8220991 after working hours.