More measures to curb H1N1

Star: PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is switching to a more serious level in its handling of influenza A (H1N1) cases from merely containing these to mitigation.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said under the mitigation stage, measures would be implemented to slow down infection within the country while mild flu cases would be given outpatient treatment.
He said the public should reduce outings and gatherings with friends and families, particularly if they were suffering from influenza symptoms, and continue to practise cough etiquette and personal hygiene.
Abnormal absence of staff at workplaces should also be reported to the ministry to be monitored and ensure that this had nothing to do with the spread of the virus, added Liow.
“We have to change our strategies and be more proactive in dealing with this matter.
“However, the public should not panic because most cases are mild,” he said, adding that if the local transmission of flu cases were not controlled, the virus could spread rapidly and involve cases with other complications.
“Under this stage, only high-risk groups, including those people with asthma, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes, organ failure, obesity as well as pregnant wo-men will be hospitalised,” said Liow, adding that home quaran-tine would only apply to those showing influenza symptoms.
“Therefore, we urge the public to cooperate with us,” he told reporters here yesterday after 12 workers at a private company in Cyberjaya and six trainees at the Malaysian Maritime Agency in Malacca had tested positive for the virus.
“These cases show that the disease is spreading within the communities,” he said.
Liow added that the spread of the virus at the Cyberjaya firm started from Friday and an investigation by the ministry showed that the company had been receiving foreign visitors.
As at 8am yesterday, 61 new influenza cases – 37 imported and 24 locally transmitted – had been reported.
“The new cases involved 52 Malaysians and nine foreigners – five from Indonesia and one each from Thailand, Brunei, Singapore and Pakistan,” Liow said.
He added that out of the 574 people infected, 472 or 82.2% had recovered and been discharged from hospitals.
Currently, 102 patients are still receiving treatment.