HEALTH D-G: 495 OF 627 H1N1 CASES HAVE RECOVERED AFTER TREATMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- A total of 495 cases from the 627
confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) cases in the country have been discharged from
hospitals after recovering while 132 continue to receive treatment said
Director-General of Health Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.

The number included 53 new cases reported, involving 41 imported cases and
12 locally transmitted cases.

"Among the 53 new cases reported involved five Indonesians and one each from
China and India while the rest were Malaysians," he said in a statement here
Friday.

Among two imported new cases reported involved students from Alice Smith
International school in Seri Kembangan, who returned from a visit to New York,
on Wednesday.

Following the two cases, the school administration had voluntarily decided
to close the school effective Friday.

"A similar action was taken by Gospel Chapel Keroskop kindergarten in Miri,
Sarawak when one of its pupil was confirmed as a locally transmitted case," he
said.

He added that two additional cases involving workers of a private company in
Cyberjaya that raised the total number of cases in the company to 14, showed
indications that the Influenza A(H1N1) virus was spreading.

Dr Mohd Ismail also advised the public to be cautious and take precautionary
and mitigation measures to prevent and control the disease from spreading.

"The public must maintain their distance when coming in contact with others
and minimise social functions. Ensure good ventilation at home, practice
self-hygiene and immediately report if there were any symptoms of the H1N1
virus," he said.

He also urged the public to keep abreast of the development, monitor the
situation and surf the Health Ministry's websites www.moh.gov.my or
http://h1n1.moh.gov.my for information or contact the Influenza A(H1N1) Hotline
at 03-8810200, 03-88810300, 03-88834414 and 03-88834415.
-- BERNAMA