Number of new infections shows declining trend

Borneo Bulettin 13 July 2009
H1N1 UPDATE

By Lyna Mohamad



The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday said that 56 close contacts of Influenza A (H1N1) patients have completed their quarantine period, while 22 H1N1 patients have completed their treatment or allowed to return home from the hospital as of 4pm yesterday.

The ministry also confirmed nine new cases of H1N1. The number of infections has been dropping steadily since the first case was reported last month.

The MoH again reminded members of the public to practise good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus by always washing their hands using soap and water and drying them using disposable towels or hand dryer.

The public are also advised to use disposable tissues containing alcohol or hand sanitizer should there be no hand washing facilities, to cover their nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of the tissue into the rubbish bin.

They are also advised to avoid getting close with people who have signs of influenza and avoid visiting crowded places. The ministry said that even though the Influenza A infections have only been mild, it could lead to serious situations for pregnant mothers and patients with chronic diseases.
In this regard, cooperation from the public, particularly those visiting patients at the hospital, is very much appreciated to help prevent the infection from spreading to the patients and comply with the visiting regulations at government hospitals.

General enquiries on Influenza A (H1N1) can be made by contacting 145 during office hours or 8220991 after office hours.