INFLUENZA H1N1 CASES EXCEED 1,000 IN MALAYSIA NATIONWIDE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Influenza A (H1N1) cases breached the
1,000 mark when 55 new cases were reported in Malaysia Sunday, said
Director-General of Health Dr Ismail Merican.

He said of the new cases, 43 were from seven new clusters, five from
existing clusters, six isolated cases and one imported case.

"To date, 1,075 cases have been recorded with one death. Of the number 574
cases (53 per cent) are imported cases while 501 cases (47 per cent) involve
local transmissions.

However, only four cases, or one per cent, were receiving anti-viral
treatment at hospitals," he said in a statement here.

In relation to this, he said the ministry would continue to monitor cases of
H1N1 or influenza-like illness (ILI) being treated in hospitals.

Ismail urged the public to report to the Health Department should they be
aware of those around them showing symptoms of H1N1 or ILI.

"Those who show heavy symptoms or are at high-risk must seek immediate
treatment at the nearest hospital," he said.

"For lighter cases, they can simply get rest at home but always practise
good personal hygiene and make sure their surroundings are clean as well as wear
masks. If conditions worsen they must seek medical treatment," he said.

Regarding reduced attendance bacause of fever and flu in schools and at the
workplace, Dr Ismail said the matter must be reported immediately to the nearest
Distric Health Office.

"As for students in schools and institutions affected by temporary closure,
only those who are free from signs of H1N1 and ILI will be allowed to return.

"However, those who still show signs of the disease are advised to continue
resting because they are at risk of spreading the virus to their friends," he
said.

In TERENGGANU, an east coast state in Peninsular, a secondary school Sekolah
Menengah Sains Dungun and a hostel belonging to the Perkaya foundation in Marang
were ordered to close for one week effective Sunday after some the students and
hostel occupants were suspected to have come down with H1N1.

State executive councillor in charge of healh, Dr A Rahman Mokhtar told
reporters in Kuala Terengganu that 10 suspected cases were detected in the
school and 13 in the hostel.

The people involved have been asked to return home and undergo home
quarantine.

--BERNAMA