MALAYSIA CONFIRMS FIRST INFLUENZA A(H1N1) CASE

MALAYSIA CONFIRMS FIRST INFLUENZA A(H1N1) CASE


KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reported its first influenza
A(H1N1) case involving a student who returned from the United States two days
ago.

This was confirmed by Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai Friday.

"The student is now quarantined at the Sungai Buloh Hospital," he told
Bernama from London.

"The student returned to Malaysia on May 13 and the next day, he sought
treatment when he felt unwell. The test confirmed that he has the H1N1 virus."

Liow, enroute to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the World Health Organisation
(WHO) General Assembly, was on transit in London.

He said health personnel were in the midst of tracking down all passengers
on the flight and those who had come into contact with the student since his
return.

"This is urgent and all have to work together to prevent the spread of the
disease in this country. We have initiated various preventive measures and the
health department is working hard on the ground," he said.

Liow also advised the public to be on high alert and immediately seek
treatment if they feel unwell.

"The details of this first case will be given by the Health Ministry at a
press conference at 4pm today (Friday)," he added.
-- BERNAMA