NO LOCAL INFECTION OF H1N1 VIRUS

PUTRAJAYA, May 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is free of local transmission of
influenza A (H1N1) virus as there had been no contagion among those who had been
in contact with the two infected patients, said Director-General of Health Dr
Mohd Ismail Merican.

He said all 222 people, who had been placed under home quarantine for being
in contact with the two infected patients, would be freed today if they show no
symptoms of the disease.

The one-week incubation period started on May 13, the date the duo entered
the country, he told reporters here Wednesday.

He said those placed under home quarantine were family members of the two
patients, passengers of Malaysia Airline flight MH091 and Air Asia flight AK5358
on May 13, and medical personnel, who tested them.

Dr Mohd Ismail said the Health Ministry failed to locate 39 more passengers
of both flights and although the quarantine period was over, they should avail
themselves for testing.

Both patients, who were isolated at the Sungai Buloh Hospital and Penang
Hospital, are reported to be in stable condition and will be discharged tomorrow
and Friday respectively if they show no symptoms of the disease.

Dr Mohd Ismail advised the public not be unduly worried as the flu
originated from abroad and not a local infection.

"However, I advise the public to take a serious view of the disease and get
accurate and the latest information from the ministry's website, www.moh.gov.my
or the media," he said.

Until Wednesday, 156 cases, including 22 yesterday, had been referred to
various
hospitals for testing. All were tested negative except for the two infected
cases.

Meanwhile, two American citizens, who were placed under quarantine in Sabah
for being in contact with an infected Hong Kong citizen on Cathay Pacific flight
CX831 from the United States to Hong Kong, is reported to be in good health,
said Dr Mohd Ismail.

He said so far 121,185 passengers had been screened at the airports, border
checkpoints, and ports and jetties.

Asked whether the ministry will step up monitoring for Malaysian students
returning from the United States for summer break, he said they would go through
the normal process as it would not want to create a panic situation.

-- BERNAMA