The Minister of Health
"We don't have to live in fear and there is no need to panic. It's not necessary." That was the message relayed by the Minister of Health in a press briefing as the country recorded 24 new Influenza A (H1N1) cases yesterday, the highest surge since the nation was hit by the flu more than a week ago, thus bringing the tally to 66.
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi also said that the pandemic is here to stay.
"According to its cycle, it can remain for two years. But within that period, there could be a lot of changes as well.
"We hope that there will be a vaccine for H1N1 soon. At the moment, we have to be very careful as such a vaccine is not yet available. It might remain mild, and patients would recover from it and the public should not be afraid," the minister added.
Epidemiological studies indicate that as of July 1, 2009 at 3pm, the flu has affected 49 Bruneians and 11 foreign nationals, with Brunei-Muara recording 41 cases, Belait 16, Temburong four, Tutong three and transit one.
As of July 1, 2009, those with travel history constituted to 30 cases, out of which nine were patients who returned from UK, Kuala Lumpur (eight), Kota Kinabalu (six), Johore (one), Lawas (one), Singapore (one), Philippines (one) and Laos (one).
The Ministry also said, 24 cases were transmitted via contacts, while another 12 are still under investigation.
It also informed that there is a possibility of community transmission involving a 15-year-old girl who neither has a travel history nor contact with other cases
He also said the ministry is reviewing the possibility of renewing the management protocol. Among these would be strengthening treatment at homes for mild cases and the suitability of home treatment to ensure that there are no close contact with those who have chronic diseases or pregnant women.
Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi also said there is a possibility to turn Pg Muda Mahkota Pg Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah hospital in Tutong into a full isolation centre for H1N1.
This is a control measure, as H1N1 patients should be treated separately.
As an initial stage to ascertain the continuity of the service at the hospital, steps such as relocating outpatient services to Tutong Health Office and relocating physicians, dermatology, midwifery and pediatric services will also be made to Tutong Health Office effective July 4, 2009.
Specialised OMF, ENT and ophthalmology services will also be moved to bungalow B and C of the Tutong hospital beginning July 4.
The Ministry sources stated that the H1N1 cases here are mild. However, we should step up our precautions as the disease is easily transmitted and causes many illnesses, thus affecting daily activities. There is also a possibility of mutation of such virus to become more dangerous and that there is no vaccine to prevent such H1N1 yet.
Due to the surge in the reported cases, the ministry urged the public to step up precautions and not to be complacent. For those who have just returned from the affected countries in the past seven days and developed the symptoms, they should see a doctor at health centres and hospitals immediately.
The public were also advised to reduce social activities and avoid crowded places within seven days such as community gatherings, shopping centres, markets, stalls, restaurants, cinemas, swimming pools and the like.
The public should also practise good personal hygiene such as to wash their hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, cover nose and mouth with a piece of tissue paper when coughing or sneezing.
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