NST: PUTRAJAYA: The public has been urged not to panic over the country's first locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, however, warned of stern action under the Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988, against anyone who concealed the disease. "This is the last warning we are issuing. We expect those infected with the disease to be more responsible in giving us all the necessary information."
Liow was commenting on the country's first locally transmitted case, the 17-year-old student from Petaling Jaya who did not inform the authorities that she had had contact with an infected patient.
The infected patient, a 24-year-old, had given the authorities a list of people he had made contact with, but had left out the girl's name.
The girl was confirmed as the country's first locally transmitted case when she was referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital on Monday.
It is learnt that she is a student at a private college in Damansara. Investigations revealed that she had also gone to a cinema recently.
The authorities have so far quarantined 20 of the girl's family members and friends with whom she had come in contact with.
Liow also urged the public against panicking as talk of implementing "social distancing" in Petaling Jaya loomed.
"The ministry is taking steps to ensure the infection does not spread further. We are taking all necessary steps. The situation is under control."
He said the ministry would monitor the girl's 20 contacts closely for now.
Social distancing, he said, would only be considered if the 20 quarantined people had infected others. Even then, he said, it would only affect a locality and not the whole district.
"Say, for instance, the risk is concentrated in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, then the measure would be implemented there, with only a few schools affected," he said after a meeting with the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA and the Malaysian Youth Council.
The two groups have been roped in to increase public awareness on health issues, including the influenza A (H1N1), dengue and cervical cancer.
Health director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican advised those who were sick with flu and fever to quickly seek treatment.
"Go to the nearest clinic or hospital. The doctors will ask you some questions to determine your travel history and the people you would have come in contact with."
Dr Ismail warned of the possibility of the virus mutating. "We haven't seen the worst yet, so we have to brace ourselves. This (the current situation) is like a test to ascertain the capabilities of the affected countries on how to handle the pandemic."
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Friday, June 19, 2009
Doctors and pharmacists disagree on dispensing
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association does not think the country is ready for a separation of duties in the prescribing and dispensing of medication. The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society, however, differs.
MMA president Dr David Quek said the move would lead to a rise in the cost of healthcare as the sick would have to see a doctor first, then get the prescription filled by a pharmacist.
"It would be a must for patients to see the doctor first before buying any medication.
"It should not be the other way round. Pharmacists, unlike doctors, are not trained to deal with illnesses and pathologies. Some pharmacists actually behave like doctors when they are not empowered to do so," he said.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho disagreed saying the separation was a good idea because pharmacists were trained to educate the consumer on medicine.
"We are competent and keen to provide quality pharmaceutical care to the consumers. Separation will enable us to do what we do best in the interest of consumers."
She said pharmacists upheld the highest professional aspirations to provide quality pharmaceutical care.
"There is a strong shift towards active participation by consumers and pharmacists in the decision-making process. A benchmarking and standard operating procedures in community pharmacies will improve the public image and perception of pharmacists."
Federation of Malaysia Consumers' Associations president Datuk N. Marimuthu said through the separation, consumers could become more aware of their medical expenses such as consultation fees, medicine prices and also promote rational prescription of medicines, when pharmacists would examine the prescription as well.
On the other hand, there were also teething problems such as accessibility to pharmacies and the lack of pharmacists.
"The Health Ministry has done a pilot project on the separation but we have yet to know of its findings and the ministry's future plans. Once the initial problems have been ironed out, the separation could benefit consumers in the long run."
Elaborating on the current level of 7,000 registered pharmacists in the country, Ho said the ratio of pharmacists to population at 1 to 4,700 people was acceptable
"By September, the first batch of pharmacists who complete their compulsory government service will improve the ratio. About a quarter of them will be serving as community pharmacists. There are 16 institutions of higher learning producing almost 2,000 new pharmacists per year."
The 21/2 hour NSTLive session yesterday attracted 184 online readers who posted 156 questions and comments.
MMA president Dr David Quek said the move would lead to a rise in the cost of healthcare as the sick would have to see a doctor first, then get the prescription filled by a pharmacist.
"It would be a must for patients to see the doctor first before buying any medication.
"It should not be the other way round. Pharmacists, unlike doctors, are not trained to deal with illnesses and pathologies. Some pharmacists actually behave like doctors when they are not empowered to do so," he said.
MPS president Datuk Nancy Ho disagreed saying the separation was a good idea because pharmacists were trained to educate the consumer on medicine.
"We are competent and keen to provide quality pharmaceutical care to the consumers. Separation will enable us to do what we do best in the interest of consumers."
She said pharmacists upheld the highest professional aspirations to provide quality pharmaceutical care.
"There is a strong shift towards active participation by consumers and pharmacists in the decision-making process. A benchmarking and standard operating procedures in community pharmacies will improve the public image and perception of pharmacists."
Federation of Malaysia Consumers' Associations president Datuk N. Marimuthu said through the separation, consumers could become more aware of their medical expenses such as consultation fees, medicine prices and also promote rational prescription of medicines, when pharmacists would examine the prescription as well.
On the other hand, there were also teething problems such as accessibility to pharmacies and the lack of pharmacists.
"The Health Ministry has done a pilot project on the separation but we have yet to know of its findings and the ministry's future plans. Once the initial problems have been ironed out, the separation could benefit consumers in the long run."
Elaborating on the current level of 7,000 registered pharmacists in the country, Ho said the ratio of pharmacists to population at 1 to 4,700 people was acceptable
"By September, the first batch of pharmacists who complete their compulsory government service will improve the ratio. About a quarter of them will be serving as community pharmacists. There are 16 institutions of higher learning producing almost 2,000 new pharmacists per year."
The 21/2 hour NSTLive session yesterday attracted 184 online readers who posted 156 questions and comments.
MMA comes to doctors' defence
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Medical Association president Dr David Quek has come to the defence of private doctors who were said to have failed to report suspected dengue cases to the Health Ministry.
He explained that dengue in its early presentation was very similar to many viral infections.
"If doctors start referring cases to the ministry, there might be too many cases which are not dengue at all.
"Also, not every patient agrees to have blood testing because this costs money and there are lots of viruses out there which need to be excluded," he said in the inaugural NSTLive panel discussion yesterday.
Dr Quek said another factor was that many patients refused to go for follow-ups and chose to "doctor-hop" when their fever did not improve after a day or two.
By the time they get to hospital, their condition would have deteriorated.
The association president said dengue was endemic with periodic peaks. He said it was also seasonal and related to the climate.
"Most important is the breeding of the Aedes mosquito. We must try to eradicate this first. The public must play its part to keep the immediate environment clean and free from the breeding sites of the mosquito."
To the question of whether doctors were prepared to face an outbreak of locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1), Dr Quek said he was not sure if anyone was prepared for it.
"But, because it is already spreading here, we all have to learn very fast. There is no doubt that this is a moderately serious type of flu, which so far seems very contagious, and has killed about one in every 200 infections, which makes it rather in between in terms of lethality."
He said the old Spanish flu was far more contagious, affecting one billion people worldwide at its peak and killing more than 40 million. SARS, too, killed about one in six or seven people.
However, he added that the H1N1 flu was worrying because it had the potential to mutate into a more virulent form which could become a very serious killer.
"This can happen in the second or third wave after the H1N1 flu reaches pandemic level 6, which it has.
"That is why we are so concerned and the Health Ministry is making every effort to contain the situation and prevent this from becoming more serious. You will hear of more preventive measures in the weeks to come."
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president Datuk Nancy Ho said there were enough flu medicines, hand disinfectants and masks for the common flu and H1N1.
"However, Tamiflu needs to be prescribed by doctors."
She also assured the public that pharmacists were definitely not taking advantage of the situation by raising prices.
She said MMA and MPS were on high alert to ensure that the situation gets the best attention.
"Members of the public can seek information and advice about the precautionary steps to take to protect adults and children adequately.
"At the same time, all medicines required are managed to ensure the best outcomes."
She said MPS strongly advocated personal care for the public and provided information and public health measures to contain the situation through counselling especially by community pharmacists.
"Our roles as healthcare providers include active sharing of information and knowledge.
"We are also working closely with the Pharmaceutical Services Division in terms of updating and disseminating useful information to members of the public.
"We also work as a team with other healthcare provi-ders such as doctors and nurses."
He explained that dengue in its early presentation was very similar to many viral infections.
"If doctors start referring cases to the ministry, there might be too many cases which are not dengue at all.
"Also, not every patient agrees to have blood testing because this costs money and there are lots of viruses out there which need to be excluded," he said in the inaugural NSTLive panel discussion yesterday.
Dr Quek said another factor was that many patients refused to go for follow-ups and chose to "doctor-hop" when their fever did not improve after a day or two.
By the time they get to hospital, their condition would have deteriorated.
The association president said dengue was endemic with periodic peaks. He said it was also seasonal and related to the climate.
"Most important is the breeding of the Aedes mosquito. We must try to eradicate this first. The public must play its part to keep the immediate environment clean and free from the breeding sites of the mosquito."
To the question of whether doctors were prepared to face an outbreak of locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1), Dr Quek said he was not sure if anyone was prepared for it.
"But, because it is already spreading here, we all have to learn very fast. There is no doubt that this is a moderately serious type of flu, which so far seems very contagious, and has killed about one in every 200 infections, which makes it rather in between in terms of lethality."
He said the old Spanish flu was far more contagious, affecting one billion people worldwide at its peak and killing more than 40 million. SARS, too, killed about one in six or seven people.
However, he added that the H1N1 flu was worrying because it had the potential to mutate into a more virulent form which could become a very serious killer.
"This can happen in the second or third wave after the H1N1 flu reaches pandemic level 6, which it has.
"That is why we are so concerned and the Health Ministry is making every effort to contain the situation and prevent this from becoming more serious. You will hear of more preventive measures in the weeks to come."
Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president Datuk Nancy Ho said there were enough flu medicines, hand disinfectants and masks for the common flu and H1N1.
"However, Tamiflu needs to be prescribed by doctors."
She also assured the public that pharmacists were definitely not taking advantage of the situation by raising prices.
She said MMA and MPS were on high alert to ensure that the situation gets the best attention.
"Members of the public can seek information and advice about the precautionary steps to take to protect adults and children adequately.
"At the same time, all medicines required are managed to ensure the best outcomes."
She said MPS strongly advocated personal care for the public and provided information and public health measures to contain the situation through counselling especially by community pharmacists.
"Our roles as healthcare providers include active sharing of information and knowledge.
"We are also working closely with the Pharmaceutical Services Division in terms of updating and disseminating useful information to members of the public.
"We also work as a team with other healthcare provi-ders such as doctors and nurses."
Influenza A: Compulsory to fill health form
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: From next week, anyone flying into Malaysia will have to fill up a mandatory health declaration form which will be given to them onboard.
Failure to fill the form and provide health particulars could result in a jail term of up to two years and fine of up to RM10,000.
This was among a list of stringent measures announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday to curb the spread of influenza A (H1N1) locally.
The disease infected its 25th Malaysian victim yesterday, a 22-year-old female student who tested positive for the disease and is now warded at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.
Muhyiddin, after chairing the National Inter-ministerial Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic at Parliament yesterday, said the ruling to fill the health declaration form would be gazetted next week.
Present at the meeting were Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
"Travellers, including Malaysians returning from abroad, will have to fill up their personal particulars, including flight and seat numbers and submit the forms to health officers at the airports.
"Currently, it is not mandatory to fill the form and it's only done on a voluntary basis. This began a few months ago. Today, we agreed that the ruling making it mandatory be gazetted," Leow said.
This, he said, was apart from the thermal scanning of passengers returning from H1N1-affected countries.
"Mandatory health declarations have been implemented in countries with H1N1. We hope to get the cooperation of everyone on this."
The mandatory ruling is among 10 steps outlined by the committee to tackle the pandemic. It came after the country recorded its first locally-transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case involving a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.
Muhyiddin also said "social distancing", such as closing down of schools and cancelling gatherings, would only be implemented by the National Security Council.
"This will only be done after we (the government) decide to do so. We do not give the mandate to schools or departments to implement it. The decision will be made by the council."
The other steps taken are:
- Health officers deployed on board aircraft to scan body temperatures of passengers coming in from the United States, Melbourne (Australia) and Manila (the Philippines);
- Transport operators are required to have masks for passengers with H1N1 symptoms and those sitting three seats in front and behind them;
- Local authorities to tighten existing law and increase enforcement to make sure public toilets are clean;
- Giving influenza vaccines to high-risk groups to reduce infection risks;
- Front-liners to take care of their health and wear appropriate clothes to prevent infections;
- Limiting the number of visitors to hospitals and discouraging children under 12 from visiting;
- Scanning for body temperature at public and private hospitals; and,
- Media campaigns by Information, Communications and Culture Ministry to increase awareness.
Failure to fill the form and provide health particulars could result in a jail term of up to two years and fine of up to RM10,000.
This was among a list of stringent measures announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday to curb the spread of influenza A (H1N1) locally.
The disease infected its 25th Malaysian victim yesterday, a 22-year-old female student who tested positive for the disease and is now warded at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh.
Muhyiddin, after chairing the National Inter-ministerial Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic at Parliament yesterday, said the ruling to fill the health declaration form would be gazetted next week.
Present at the meeting were Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
"Travellers, including Malaysians returning from abroad, will have to fill up their personal particulars, including flight and seat numbers and submit the forms to health officers at the airports.
"Currently, it is not mandatory to fill the form and it's only done on a voluntary basis. This began a few months ago. Today, we agreed that the ruling making it mandatory be gazetted," Leow said.
This, he said, was apart from the thermal scanning of passengers returning from H1N1-affected countries.
"Mandatory health declarations have been implemented in countries with H1N1. We hope to get the cooperation of everyone on this."
The mandatory ruling is among 10 steps outlined by the committee to tackle the pandemic. It came after the country recorded its first locally-transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case involving a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.
Muhyiddin also said "social distancing", such as closing down of schools and cancelling gatherings, would only be implemented by the National Security Council.
"This will only be done after we (the government) decide to do so. We do not give the mandate to schools or departments to implement it. The decision will be made by the council."
The other steps taken are:
- Health officers deployed on board aircraft to scan body temperatures of passengers coming in from the United States, Melbourne (Australia) and Manila (the Philippines);
- Transport operators are required to have masks for passengers with H1N1 symptoms and those sitting three seats in front and behind them;
- Local authorities to tighten existing law and increase enforcement to make sure public toilets are clean;
- Giving influenza vaccines to high-risk groups to reduce infection risks;
- Front-liners to take care of their health and wear appropriate clothes to prevent infections;
- Limiting the number of visitors to hospitals and discouraging children under 12 from visiting;
- Scanning for body temperature at public and private hospitals; and,
- Media campaigns by Information, Communications and Culture Ministry to increase awareness.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Send them to govt hospitals at once
NST: PUTRAJAYA: Patients with flu-like symptoms who have just returned from countries where there are confirmed influenza A (H1N1) cases should be referred to government hospitals immediately.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said this was important to stop the spread of the disease which had now infected 23 people, with five new cases confirmed yesterday.
Dr Ismail expressed disappointment after a private clinic, which attended to a 54-year-old man on Monday, had failed to refer the patient to the hospital when he sought treatment for the fever, cough and headache he had developed the day before.
The patient went to University Malaya Medical Centre on Tuesday and was taken in an ambulance to Kuala Lumpur Hospital the same day.
The man had returned from a business trip from Manila on Friday evening on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH705 (seat 32H).
His wife and two children are now quarantined at home.
"We are warning all private clinics and hospitals to refer all their patients who had returned from countries affected by the influenza, and those with symptoms of the flu to the hospital immediately for further tests.
"It is regrettable that they fail to do so as it heightens the risk of local transmissions."
A 23-year-old local university student, who was on a seven-day excursion to Australia with 13 others, also tested positive for the disease.
He had taken the AirAsia X flight D72723 (seat 37J) and arrived at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal on Sunday at 7.15am.
The student showed symptoms five hours after his arrival, but only sought treatment at a private clinic the next day. He is now kept in isolation at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor.
A 22-year-old female Malaysian student from Melbourne who was on the same flight also tested positive for the flu.
The woman who was in seat 48H, has been referred to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, Perak.
The duo had shared the same flight with Malaysia's 17th case, who tested positive on Monday and is currently being treated at Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Dr Ismail said the fifth Technical Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) had issued several directives for the Health Ministry to enforce.
They include discouraging the public, especially children below the age of 12, from visiting hospitals unless to seek treatment.
Each patient will also be allowed a maximum of two visitors at any one time. Visiting hours at all public and private hospitals will also be shortened.
Those visiting patients at public and private hospitals will have to undergo screening for fever.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said this was important to stop the spread of the disease which had now infected 23 people, with five new cases confirmed yesterday.
Dr Ismail expressed disappointment after a private clinic, which attended to a 54-year-old man on Monday, had failed to refer the patient to the hospital when he sought treatment for the fever, cough and headache he had developed the day before.
The patient went to University Malaya Medical Centre on Tuesday and was taken in an ambulance to Kuala Lumpur Hospital the same day.
The man had returned from a business trip from Manila on Friday evening on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH705 (seat 32H).
His wife and two children are now quarantined at home.
"We are warning all private clinics and hospitals to refer all their patients who had returned from countries affected by the influenza, and those with symptoms of the flu to the hospital immediately for further tests.
"It is regrettable that they fail to do so as it heightens the risk of local transmissions."
A 23-year-old local university student, who was on a seven-day excursion to Australia with 13 others, also tested positive for the disease.
He had taken the AirAsia X flight D72723 (seat 37J) and arrived at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal on Sunday at 7.15am.
The student showed symptoms five hours after his arrival, but only sought treatment at a private clinic the next day. He is now kept in isolation at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor.
A 22-year-old female Malaysian student from Melbourne who was on the same flight also tested positive for the flu.
The woman who was in seat 48H, has been referred to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh, Perak.
The duo had shared the same flight with Malaysia's 17th case, who tested positive on Monday and is currently being treated at Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Dr Ismail said the fifth Technical Committee on Influenza A (H1N1) had issued several directives for the Health Ministry to enforce.
They include discouraging the public, especially children below the age of 12, from visiting hospitals unless to seek treatment.
Each patient will also be allowed a maximum of two visitors at any one time. Visiting hours at all public and private hospitals will also be shortened.
Those visiting patients at public and private hospitals will have to undergo screening for fever.
Scramble to contain first locally transmitted H1N1 case
NST: PUTRAJAYA: As the country’s first locally transmitted influenza A (H1N1) case was announced yesterday, health authorities were scrambling to contain the disease.
The victim was identified as a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya and to date, 20 of her immediate family members and friends have been quarantined.
The authorities, however, are concerned that the 20 in quarantine could have infected others whom health officials are unaware of at the moment.
“If any of the 20 is tested positive, we will then have to track down those whom this person had come in contact with.
“Tracking them down and breaking the chain of infection is our priority now,” said a health official.
Initial investigations revealed that the girl got the disease from her friend, who had tested positive earlier.
The friend, a medical student, was believed to have contracted the disease while on holiday in Melbourne, Australia recently. He later tested positive here and was confirmed as Malaysia’s 12th case.
Health authorities interviewed him and he gave them a list of the people he had come in contact with but for reasons not known, the girl’s name was left out.
On June 15, however, the girl sought treatment at University Malaya Medical Centre after developing flu and fever.
She was referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital the same day and yesterday was confirmed as the first locally transmitted case.
When asked if the government would enforce the “social distancing” measure in Petaling Jaya, which has a population of over half-a-million people, he said for now the ministry would monitor the 20 people for signs of the virus.
“We are first looking at the severity of this local transmission before resorting to any social distancing,” he said.
The social distancing measure, which is warranted under the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) bans all public gatherings and forces schools as well as other learning institutions to close.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on Friday in warning those who had contact with confirmed cases or show symptoms of the flu to identify themselves, had said that one local transmission of the virus was enough to impose the measure in the whole district.
Dr Ismail in a statement announcing Malaysia’s first local transmission, said that it was crucial that confirmed patients provided complete information including that of their contacts, so that steps could be taken to prevent any local transmission.
Action, he said could be taken against those who failed to do so under Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 (ACT 342).
Malaysia is now officially one of the 23 countries from 76 nations with confirmed cases, which has local transmission of the virus.
The victim was identified as a 17-year-old girl from Petaling Jaya and to date, 20 of her immediate family members and friends have been quarantined.
The authorities, however, are concerned that the 20 in quarantine could have infected others whom health officials are unaware of at the moment.
“If any of the 20 is tested positive, we will then have to track down those whom this person had come in contact with.
“Tracking them down and breaking the chain of infection is our priority now,” said a health official.
Initial investigations revealed that the girl got the disease from her friend, who had tested positive earlier.
The friend, a medical student, was believed to have contracted the disease while on holiday in Melbourne, Australia recently. He later tested positive here and was confirmed as Malaysia’s 12th case.
Health authorities interviewed him and he gave them a list of the people he had come in contact with but for reasons not known, the girl’s name was left out.
On June 15, however, the girl sought treatment at University Malaya Medical Centre after developing flu and fever.
She was referred to the Sungai Buloh Hospital the same day and yesterday was confirmed as the first locally transmitted case.
When asked if the government would enforce the “social distancing” measure in Petaling Jaya, which has a population of over half-a-million people, he said for now the ministry would monitor the 20 people for signs of the virus.
“We are first looking at the severity of this local transmission before resorting to any social distancing,” he said.
The social distancing measure, which is warranted under the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) bans all public gatherings and forces schools as well as other learning institutions to close.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on Friday in warning those who had contact with confirmed cases or show symptoms of the flu to identify themselves, had said that one local transmission of the virus was enough to impose the measure in the whole district.
Dr Ismail in a statement announcing Malaysia’s first local transmission, said that it was crucial that confirmed patients provided complete information including that of their contacts, so that steps could be taken to prevent any local transmission.
Action, he said could be taken against those who failed to do so under Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 (ACT 342).
Malaysia is now officially one of the 23 countries from 76 nations with confirmed cases, which has local transmission of the virus.
Private doctors called to take action on dengue
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Private doctors, whether in hospitals or clinics, will toe the line and report all suspected and confirmed dengue cases to the Health Ministry.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Malaysia (FPMPAM) has directed all private medical practitioners nationwide to report confirmed and suspected dengue cases immediately.
The National Association for Private Medical Practitioners also informed doctors that even in situations where clinical diagnosis was uncertain, they should send all patients to the nearest government hospital or healthcare facility for further tests.
"This is best so that doctors will not be exposed to the severe consequences in the form of a fine, jail term and or the possibility of lawsuits," said FPMPAM president Dr Steven Chow.
He said in the early stages of dengue, clinical signs and symptoms were similar to most viral infections, and that specific blood tests (for the disease) did not become positive until after the second or third day of the illness in the majority of cases.
Dr Chow also pointed out that in some cases, the disease would progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or even to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which was unpredictable and could occur even in patients who were hospitalised and on standard treatment protocols.
"DHF and DSS are very severe disease states. The DSS has a high mortality rate of up to 20 per cent even when treated in the best medical centres."
Dr Chow said the FPMPAM viewed seriously the worsening state of the dengue epidemic in the country, as confirmed by the ministry.
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas said they were also concerned about the rise in dengue cases and deaths, and had always cooperated with health authorities to contain the problem.
On Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican's call for private clinic and hospital doctors to notify suspected dengue cases to the ministry, Dr Thomas said members told him they had always complied with this.
He said some private hospitals also worked with state Health Department directors to conduct joint dengue awareness campaigns and exhibitions and distribute leaflets to the public.
Dr Thomas also said private hospitals were cooperating with the ministry on the influenza A (H1N1) issue by alerting health authorities of any suspected cases.
The Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Malaysia (FPMPAM) has directed all private medical practitioners nationwide to report confirmed and suspected dengue cases immediately.
The National Association for Private Medical Practitioners also informed doctors that even in situations where clinical diagnosis was uncertain, they should send all patients to the nearest government hospital or healthcare facility for further tests.
"This is best so that doctors will not be exposed to the severe consequences in the form of a fine, jail term and or the possibility of lawsuits," said FPMPAM president Dr Steven Chow.
He said in the early stages of dengue, clinical signs and symptoms were similar to most viral infections, and that specific blood tests (for the disease) did not become positive until after the second or third day of the illness in the majority of cases.
Dr Chow also pointed out that in some cases, the disease would progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or even to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which was unpredictable and could occur even in patients who were hospitalised and on standard treatment protocols.
"DHF and DSS are very severe disease states. The DSS has a high mortality rate of up to 20 per cent even when treated in the best medical centres."
Dr Chow said the FPMPAM viewed seriously the worsening state of the dengue epidemic in the country, as confirmed by the ministry.
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas said they were also concerned about the rise in dengue cases and deaths, and had always cooperated with health authorities to contain the problem.
On Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican's call for private clinic and hospital doctors to notify suspected dengue cases to the ministry, Dr Thomas said members told him they had always complied with this.
He said some private hospitals also worked with state Health Department directors to conduct joint dengue awareness campaigns and exhibitions and distribute leaflets to the public.
Dr Thomas also said private hospitals were cooperating with the ministry on the influenza A (H1N1) issue by alerting health authorities of any suspected cases.
Combined war on dengue
Star: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will set up 500 more volunteer teams by the end of the year to fight dengue, doubling the Government’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
This comes in the wake of the 23,057 notified dengue cases, with 57 deaths, recorded between Jan 1 and June 13 this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the teams, under the guidance of health officials, would take part in gotong-royong projects to clean up areas, especially flats, where the incidence of dengue was high.
“Keeping the surroundings clean and getting rid of breeding places for aedes mosquitoes is the way to check dengue.
“Awareness of dengue is there, but the culture of keeping the environment clean or translating knowledge into action is not there,” Liow said on Tuesday.
The teams, dubbed Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi), began as a World Health Organisation initiated programme.
There have been 559 teams since the pilot project took off in Johor Baru in 2001.
Liow said the war against dengue should be on everyone’s mind.
Apart from gotong-royong, which would be on a regular basis and not just when there was an outbreak, Liow said the teams would also embark on public health education programmes.
The ministry’s target was to have at least one team in each village in the country, he added.
Meanwhile, Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow, in a statement yesterday, urged all private medical practitioners to heed warnings and directives from the ministry to help control dengue.
He said even when patients could not be diagnosed with certainty, doctors should still send them for further tests at government hospitals to rule out dengue fever.
Private clinics that do not report suspected and confirmed cases of dengue fever to the nearest government hospital will face action from the ministry, including a fine of RM5,000 and possible lawsuits.
Liow earlier said reports had to be made so that fogging could be carried out in the areas where infections occurred.
This comes in the wake of the 23,057 notified dengue cases, with 57 deaths, recorded between Jan 1 and June 13 this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the teams, under the guidance of health officials, would take part in gotong-royong projects to clean up areas, especially flats, where the incidence of dengue was high.
“Keeping the surroundings clean and getting rid of breeding places for aedes mosquitoes is the way to check dengue.
“Awareness of dengue is there, but the culture of keeping the environment clean or translating knowledge into action is not there,” Liow said on Tuesday.
The teams, dubbed Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi), began as a World Health Organisation initiated programme.
There have been 559 teams since the pilot project took off in Johor Baru in 2001.
Liow said the war against dengue should be on everyone’s mind.
Apart from gotong-royong, which would be on a regular basis and not just when there was an outbreak, Liow said the teams would also embark on public health education programmes.
The ministry’s target was to have at least one team in each village in the country, he added.
Meanwhile, Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow, in a statement yesterday, urged all private medical practitioners to heed warnings and directives from the ministry to help control dengue.
He said even when patients could not be diagnosed with certainty, doctors should still send them for further tests at government hospitals to rule out dengue fever.
Private clinics that do not report suspected and confirmed cases of dengue fever to the nearest government hospital will face action from the ministry, including a fine of RM5,000 and possible lawsuits.
Liow earlier said reports had to be made so that fogging could be carried out in the areas where infections occurred.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Parliament: Law allows quarantine of passengers
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has issued quarantine and monitoring orders on passengers who travelled on the same flights as those who have tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1), Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin told the Dewan.
The Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 and the International Health Regulation 2005 were used in enforcing these orders, the Deputy Health Minister said.
To identify the passengers, the Ministry would get the list of passengers and crew members from the airlines and the health declaration forms from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport health office, she said.
The health district office would then inform the passengers and issue the quarantine/ control order to them, she said in response to Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai).
Nurul Izzah had asked about the procedures and steps taken by the Ministry’s National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre to contain the infection since passengers on flights MH 091 and AK 5358 were not required to report themselves for quarantine.
The Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act 1988 and the International Health Regulation 2005 were used in enforcing these orders, the Deputy Health Minister said.
To identify the passengers, the Ministry would get the list of passengers and crew members from the airlines and the health declaration forms from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport health office, she said.
The health district office would then inform the passengers and issue the quarantine/ control order to them, she said in response to Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai).
Nurul Izzah had asked about the procedures and steps taken by the Ministry’s National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre to contain the infection since passengers on flights MH 091 and AK 5358 were not required to report themselves for quarantine.
A (H1N1): First locally-transmitted case confirmed
Star: PUTRAJAYA: A 17-year-old girl admitted at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has been confirmed as the first person who has caught Influenza A (H1N1).
The girl was in contact with a confirmed patient who had returned from Melbourne on June 10 although she herself -- the 19th confirmed case in Malaysia to date -- had not visited any countries with confirmed cases of the flu.
She was coughing, one of the symptoms of the flu, at 9pm last Sunday and began developing a fever the following day, the Health Ministry said in a statement.
She went to UMMC that morning and was subsequently referred to Sungai Buloh Hospital at 10am.
During investigations, the girl reported that she had had contact with the student who returned from Melbourne, the 12th positive case, last Saturday.
She was however not declared as a contact by that person.
This resulted in the current case not being monitored and quarantined and as a consequence, another 20 people had been in contact with her and have been exposed to the flu virus.
Besides the girl, four other people were also confirmed over the last 24 hours to have caught the flu. They are all imported cases.
The girl was in contact with a confirmed patient who had returned from Melbourne on June 10 although she herself -- the 19th confirmed case in Malaysia to date -- had not visited any countries with confirmed cases of the flu.
She was coughing, one of the symptoms of the flu, at 9pm last Sunday and began developing a fever the following day, the Health Ministry said in a statement.
She went to UMMC that morning and was subsequently referred to Sungai Buloh Hospital at 10am.
During investigations, the girl reported that she had had contact with the student who returned from Melbourne, the 12th positive case, last Saturday.
She was however not declared as a contact by that person.
This resulted in the current case not being monitored and quarantined and as a consequence, another 20 people had been in contact with her and have been exposed to the flu virus.
Besides the girl, four other people were also confirmed over the last 24 hours to have caught the flu. They are all imported cases.
Dengue patients to go into special wards
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: All suspected dengue cases will no longer be placed in general wards with other patients.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said from now on, all suspected dengue cases will be placed in special wards or bays managed by a dedicated group of trained doctors and nurses.
The patients would be monitored very closely during the first 24 hours from the onset of the fever because this was the time when their clinical condition could deteriorate.
"A dedicated team would pick up the early warning signs faster and institute appropriate treatment, such as fluid resuscitation or admitting the patient to the Intensive Care Unit," he said during the NSTLive session at Balai Berita yesterday.
He said although the dengue situation had not reached an alarming state, the concern was for the large number of cases and preventable deaths this year, especially in Selangor.
Between Jan 1 and June 13, this year, he said 23,056 dengue cases were reported nationwide with 57 deaths compared with 18,894 cases and 39 deaths during the same period last year.
He said 66 per cent of the deaths could have been prevented if patients had come in early for treatment.
He said that despite all that had been done by the ministry, including getting cooperation from the relevant ministries and relaying messages through the media, the public had not yet been motivated enough to take the action the ministry would like them to.
"Malaysians should know there is no specific treatment for dengue fever and the only way to get rid of the problem is to get rid of the mosquitoes and breeding sites."
The ministry's "10 minutes a week" campaign, for example, is aimed at getting everyone to inspect their homes once a week for at least 10 minutes, to get rid of breeding sites inside and outside the house.
Dr Ismail attributed the increase in dengue cases to global warming because it increased the activity of the vector mosquito.
He also said the health ministry's enforcement team would go hard on those who breed mosquitoes instead of letting them off with a warning.
"We have given enough warning to flouters of the law and we will go hard on them. We just hope there is no interference from anybody when we bring errant people to book."
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said from now on, all suspected dengue cases will be placed in special wards or bays managed by a dedicated group of trained doctors and nurses.
The patients would be monitored very closely during the first 24 hours from the onset of the fever because this was the time when their clinical condition could deteriorate.
"A dedicated team would pick up the early warning signs faster and institute appropriate treatment, such as fluid resuscitation or admitting the patient to the Intensive Care Unit," he said during the NSTLive session at Balai Berita yesterday.
He said although the dengue situation had not reached an alarming state, the concern was for the large number of cases and preventable deaths this year, especially in Selangor.
Between Jan 1 and June 13, this year, he said 23,056 dengue cases were reported nationwide with 57 deaths compared with 18,894 cases and 39 deaths during the same period last year.
He said 66 per cent of the deaths could have been prevented if patients had come in early for treatment.
He said that despite all that had been done by the ministry, including getting cooperation from the relevant ministries and relaying messages through the media, the public had not yet been motivated enough to take the action the ministry would like them to.
"Malaysians should know there is no specific treatment for dengue fever and the only way to get rid of the problem is to get rid of the mosquitoes and breeding sites."
The ministry's "10 minutes a week" campaign, for example, is aimed at getting everyone to inspect their homes once a week for at least 10 minutes, to get rid of breeding sites inside and outside the house.
Dr Ismail attributed the increase in dengue cases to global warming because it increased the activity of the vector mosquito.
He also said the health ministry's enforcement team would go hard on those who breed mosquitoes instead of letting them off with a warning.
"We have given enough warning to flouters of the law and we will go hard on them. We just hope there is no interference from anybody when we bring errant people to book."
Final warning for doctors to act on dengue cases
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is getting tough with doctors who have stubbornly refused to alert authorities to dengue cases.
Frustrated at being ignored by private hospitals and clinics, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai warned yesterday that those who fail to report dengue cases would be slapped with a compound fine of RM5,000.
“There will be no more warnings after this. We have been sending circulars to them on a regular basis and we have identified the clinics and hospitals that have not reported the cases. Today, we will send out the circular for the last time,” Liow said.
Liow said the clinics and hospitals had to inform district or state health departments immediately so that fogging could be carried out in the affected areas.
“If they don’t inform us, we cannot take action and dengue will spread. It is against the law not to inform us.”
The Health Department will also take a tough stand against owners of premises found to have Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
Liow said even residential areas, schools and construction sites found to contain Aedes mosquito breeding grounds would be fined.
Although the number of cases in the past week had dropped from 719 to 630, Liow said it was only temporary due to the hot weather.
“Mosquito eggs can withstand the dry weather and last up to six months and hatch when it rains. So getting rid of the breeding grounds has to be done now.”
Forty-six “dengue hotspots” have been identified nationwide.
Selangor had the highest number of cases — 11,948 incidents so far this year, compared with 7,390 cases during the same period last year.
Selangor accounted for 39 of the 57 deaths this year.
Liow, who launched an antidengue campaign at Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Tsun Jin in Kampung Pandan yesterday, said he would work with the Education Ministry to enforce the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) programme in all schools.
Combi is a voluntary programme where students clean up their school premises to prevent Aedes mosquito from breeding.
With the school programme running, Liow said Combi may be introduced at construction areas.
“We have received complaints that construction areas have many breeding grounds, so we are going to educate the workers so they know their role in keeping their workplace safe from the disease.”
Liow also launched a new television advertisement campaign, which began airing yesterday, to get the people more involved in the fight against dengue.
Frustrated at being ignored by private hospitals and clinics, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai warned yesterday that those who fail to report dengue cases would be slapped with a compound fine of RM5,000.
“There will be no more warnings after this. We have been sending circulars to them on a regular basis and we have identified the clinics and hospitals that have not reported the cases. Today, we will send out the circular for the last time,” Liow said.
Liow said the clinics and hospitals had to inform district or state health departments immediately so that fogging could be carried out in the affected areas.
“If they don’t inform us, we cannot take action and dengue will spread. It is against the law not to inform us.”
The Health Department will also take a tough stand against owners of premises found to have Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
Liow said even residential areas, schools and construction sites found to contain Aedes mosquito breeding grounds would be fined.
Although the number of cases in the past week had dropped from 719 to 630, Liow said it was only temporary due to the hot weather.
“Mosquito eggs can withstand the dry weather and last up to six months and hatch when it rains. So getting rid of the breeding grounds has to be done now.”
Forty-six “dengue hotspots” have been identified nationwide.
Selangor had the highest number of cases — 11,948 incidents so far this year, compared with 7,390 cases during the same period last year.
Selangor accounted for 39 of the 57 deaths this year.
Liow, who launched an antidengue campaign at Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Tsun Jin in Kampung Pandan yesterday, said he would work with the Education Ministry to enforce the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) programme in all schools.
Combi is a voluntary programme where students clean up their school premises to prevent Aedes mosquito from breeding.
With the school programme running, Liow said Combi may be introduced at construction areas.
“We have received complaints that construction areas have many breeding grounds, so we are going to educate the workers so they know their role in keeping their workplace safe from the disease.”
Liow also launched a new television advertisement campaign, which began airing yesterday, to get the people more involved in the fight against dengue.
Decision on new measures today
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The technical committee on influenza A (H1N1) chaired by Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican will sit for the fifth time today to decide on the introduction of new stringent measures to be put in place in view of the World Health Organisation's recent declaration of a H1N1 pandemic.
"When we want to introduce new stringent measures, we must discuss with all the relevant authorities whether they are in agreement with the decisions.
"If they are in agreement and find it necessary, then we will make the announcement," he told the New Straits Times.
He said any decision reached will not inconvenience the rakyat but would take into consideration national security.
Dr Ismail expressed concern on local transmission of the disease with more imported cases being reported.
"The more imported cases we have, the more likelihood there is of it being locally transmitted."
When this occurs, he said more stringent measures must be put in place.
The director-general said the technical committee will decide today on the screening of passengers on board aircraft arriving from countries reporting local transmissions and high number of confirmed cases.
If the technical committee decides on the screening, then aircraft arriving from these countries would be allowed to land but passengers would have to remain on board until health authorities screen and give them the green light to disembark from the plane.
Anyone found with fever or other symptoms of the disease would be referred immediately to one of the designated hospitals for further diagnosis. If the person was confirmed positive, the ministry will decide on the next course of action, which includes home quarantine.
Dr Ismail said although the disease was very contagious, the severity of it was considered moderate.
However, he added, Malaysians should not be complacent as the second wave of the disease may come with a vengeance.
When this occurs, he said, the situation may not be controllable.
Dr Ismail stressed that the current H1N1 pandemic was a kind of "grace period" for all countries to check their capabilities, readiness and resources in handling a major pandemic.
"When we want to introduce new stringent measures, we must discuss with all the relevant authorities whether they are in agreement with the decisions.
"If they are in agreement and find it necessary, then we will make the announcement," he told the New Straits Times.
He said any decision reached will not inconvenience the rakyat but would take into consideration national security.
Dr Ismail expressed concern on local transmission of the disease with more imported cases being reported.
"The more imported cases we have, the more likelihood there is of it being locally transmitted."
When this occurs, he said more stringent measures must be put in place.
The director-general said the technical committee will decide today on the screening of passengers on board aircraft arriving from countries reporting local transmissions and high number of confirmed cases.
If the technical committee decides on the screening, then aircraft arriving from these countries would be allowed to land but passengers would have to remain on board until health authorities screen and give them the green light to disembark from the plane.
Anyone found with fever or other symptoms of the disease would be referred immediately to one of the designated hospitals for further diagnosis. If the person was confirmed positive, the ministry will decide on the next course of action, which includes home quarantine.
Dr Ismail said although the disease was very contagious, the severity of it was considered moderate.
However, he added, Malaysians should not be complacent as the second wave of the disease may come with a vengeance.
When this occurs, he said, the situation may not be controllable.
Dr Ismail stressed that the current H1N1 pandemic was a kind of "grace period" for all countries to check their capabilities, readiness and resources in handling a major pandemic.
Screening for all at airports
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Health screening facilities will be placed permanently at all international airports soon.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said as the number of "imported" influenza A H1N1 cases kept rising, it was vital to ensure no passenger was allowed into the country without being screened.
"We used to have a problem with transit passengers because they could enter the country without being screened. Now, we hope to screen everyone."
Of the 18 confirmed cases here, Liow said the ministry was tracing all those who had come into contact with them.
"We are trying not to miss anyone, or the virus will spread. Those who feel sick should get treatment at once."
Liow said the Inter-Ministerial Meeting to address the spread of the virus will be held tomorrow, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican confirmed that a man from the Philippines became the 18th person to be warded with H1N1 in the country.
The sailor, working on a Malaysian ship, arrived at KL International Airport from Manila at 4.30pm on June 14 via flight MH705.
He was found to have fever and cough and was referred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital where doctors confirmed on Monday that he had been infected.
Dr Ismail said the ministry was tracking down all the passengers on board flight MH705, adding that they should contact the ministry at 03-88810200 or 03-88810300.
Of the 18 confirmed cases, nines are being treated in hospitals, including Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Fifty-two others are under home quarantine, but none have shown any symptoms.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said as the number of "imported" influenza A H1N1 cases kept rising, it was vital to ensure no passenger was allowed into the country without being screened.
"We used to have a problem with transit passengers because they could enter the country without being screened. Now, we hope to screen everyone."
Of the 18 confirmed cases here, Liow said the ministry was tracing all those who had come into contact with them.
"We are trying not to miss anyone, or the virus will spread. Those who feel sick should get treatment at once."
Liow said the Inter-Ministerial Meeting to address the spread of the virus will be held tomorrow, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican confirmed that a man from the Philippines became the 18th person to be warded with H1N1 in the country.
The sailor, working on a Malaysian ship, arrived at KL International Airport from Manila at 4.30pm on June 14 via flight MH705.
He was found to have fever and cough and was referred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital where doctors confirmed on Monday that he had been infected.
Dr Ismail said the ministry was tracking down all the passengers on board flight MH705, adding that they should contact the ministry at 03-88810200 or 03-88810300.
Of the 18 confirmed cases, nines are being treated in hospitals, including Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Fifty-two others are under home quarantine, but none have shown any symptoms.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Five new cases, flu panel to meet
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is holding its first inter-ministry influenza committee meeting on Friday, as the country recorded five new cases of influenza A (H1N1) today, the highest number recorded in a single day.
The health authorities are now bracing for more cases and struggling to prevent local transmission of the virus.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he would chair the meeting at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya to be attended by the relevant ministries and government agencies.
"The committee, which is part of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) will discuss and coordinate various measures, including the possiblity of introducing new measures as recomended by the WHO (World Health Organisation)," he said here yesterday.
This morning, the health authorities confirmed three more cases involving all males -- a Malaysian student returning from holiday in Manila, a British tourist and a Malaysian student returning from Melbourne.
The three are now being treated in isolation wards at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor and Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan, while their families are placed in quarantine.
The passengers and crew members who were on their flights are being traced.
Two more cases were confirmed yesterday afternoon -- a 14-year-old female student from the United States, who came to visit her relatives in Sabah, and a 24-year-old Malaysian woman who had visited Melbourne between June 4 and Saturday.
They were warded at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and Sungai Buloh Hospital respectively.
The inter-ministerial Influenza Pandemic Committee, which coordinates all efforts to prevent the outbreak of the H1N1 was activated after WHO declared H1N1 as a worldwide pandemic on Thursday.
The latest H1N1 viral strain -- a combination of the previously circulating animal and human strains -- emerged in Mexico in April and has since been confirmed in 83 countries.
Malaysia has, so far confirmed 17 cases and no local transmission.
It means the disease has not spread locally and the virus has been quickly contained at the carrier level, but health authorities are struggling to ensure it does not spread locally.
The health authorities are now bracing for more cases and struggling to prevent local transmission of the virus.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he would chair the meeting at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya to be attended by the relevant ministries and government agencies.
"The committee, which is part of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) will discuss and coordinate various measures, including the possiblity of introducing new measures as recomended by the WHO (World Health Organisation)," he said here yesterday.
This morning, the health authorities confirmed three more cases involving all males -- a Malaysian student returning from holiday in Manila, a British tourist and a Malaysian student returning from Melbourne.
The three are now being treated in isolation wards at Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor and Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan, while their families are placed in quarantine.
The passengers and crew members who were on their flights are being traced.
Two more cases were confirmed yesterday afternoon -- a 14-year-old female student from the United States, who came to visit her relatives in Sabah, and a 24-year-old Malaysian woman who had visited Melbourne between June 4 and Saturday.
They were warded at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and Sungai Buloh Hospital respectively.
The inter-ministerial Influenza Pandemic Committee, which coordinates all efforts to prevent the outbreak of the H1N1 was activated after WHO declared H1N1 as a worldwide pandemic on Thursday.
The latest H1N1 viral strain -- a combination of the previously circulating animal and human strains -- emerged in Mexico in April and has since been confirmed in 83 countries.
Malaysia has, so far confirmed 17 cases and no local transmission.
It means the disease has not spread locally and the virus has been quickly contained at the carrier level, but health authorities are struggling to ensure it does not spread locally.
Mandatory screening possible
NST: SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry may resort to mandatory screening of all passengers from selected foreign countries even before they alight from the aircraft if cases of influenza A (H1N1) continue to rise in the country.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said if necessary, they would station health officials at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to immediately take the temperatures of all passengers onboard selected aircraft.
This will be done even before they are allowed to disembark.
"If our officials find any of the passengers with a relatively high temperature or showing any other relevant symptoms, we will take immediate action."
He said such measures were necessary as more and more cases were being diagnosed daily.
"We have to do what is necessary to curb the situation," he said after launching a book entitled The Miracle of Love by Naveen Yawanarajah here yesterday.
Dr Ismal said to date, there had been no cases of local tranmission.
"However, if we start getting reports of local transmission, we will have to implement social distancing.
"That will mean that schools may have to close."
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said if necessary, they would station health officials at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to immediately take the temperatures of all passengers onboard selected aircraft.
This will be done even before they are allowed to disembark.
"If our officials find any of the passengers with a relatively high temperature or showing any other relevant symptoms, we will take immediate action."
He said such measures were necessary as more and more cases were being diagnosed daily.
"We have to do what is necessary to curb the situation," he said after launching a book entitled The Miracle of Love by Naveen Yawanarajah here yesterday.
Dr Ismal said to date, there had been no cases of local tranmission.
"However, if we start getting reports of local transmission, we will have to implement social distancing.
"That will mean that schools may have to close."
Five more ‘imported’ flu cases
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities have confirmed five more cases of “imported” Influenza A (H1N1), bringing to 17 the number of confirmed cases in the country.
They involve a 12-year-old boy, a 25-year-old British tourist, a 16-year-old student from Melbourne, a 14-year-old American schoolgirl and a 26-year-old woman who had gone to Melbourne for a holiday.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the boy had spent five days in Manila before arriving here on Saturday on board Malaysian Airline flight MH705 (seat 15E).
The British tourist, meanwhile, arrived last Monday via flight EK342 from Dubai, spent a night in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur before proceeding to Pulau Tioman via Berjaya Air J8190 (seat 5A) on Tuesday.
Both cases were confirmed positive on Sunday, Dr Ismail said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the 16-year-old student from Melbourne had arrived here on Saturday at 7.30pm on board Jet Star Airline 3K687 (seat 4A) from Singapore and records showed that he had travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Tuesday before flying to Singapore on Friday via Qantas QS319 (seat 30D).
He said the American schoolgirl, meanwhile, had arrived in Kota Kinabalu onboard MH385 on Saturday at 6.10pm and was referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after screening showed she had symptoms of the flu.
In the last case, he said, the woman had arrived from Melbourne on Saturday via Air Asia X D72723 at 7.15am and went to the Sungai Buloh hospital for treatment on Sunday when she developed a fever.
All the three cases were confirmed positive for the flu yesterday.
Health authorities are currently tracing crew and other passengers of flights J8190 which arrived in Pulau Tioman at 4pm on June 9, MH705 which arrived at KLIA at 7.05pm on Saturday and Jet Star Airlines 3K687 which arrived 25 minutes later.
The authorities are also tracing the crew and passengers of flights MH385 which arrived in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday at 6.10pm and Air Asia D7 2723 which arrived at the LCCT on Sunday at 7.15am.
Those who were on board these flights should call the Health Ministry at 08-888 10200 or 03-888 10300 for medical advice.
They involve a 12-year-old boy, a 25-year-old British tourist, a 16-year-old student from Melbourne, a 14-year-old American schoolgirl and a 26-year-old woman who had gone to Melbourne for a holiday.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the boy had spent five days in Manila before arriving here on Saturday on board Malaysian Airline flight MH705 (seat 15E).
The British tourist, meanwhile, arrived last Monday via flight EK342 from Dubai, spent a night in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur before proceeding to Pulau Tioman via Berjaya Air J8190 (seat 5A) on Tuesday.
Both cases were confirmed positive on Sunday, Dr Ismail said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the 16-year-old student from Melbourne had arrived here on Saturday at 7.30pm on board Jet Star Airline 3K687 (seat 4A) from Singapore and records showed that he had travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Tuesday before flying to Singapore on Friday via Qantas QS319 (seat 30D).
He said the American schoolgirl, meanwhile, had arrived in Kota Kinabalu onboard MH385 on Saturday at 6.10pm and was referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after screening showed she had symptoms of the flu.
In the last case, he said, the woman had arrived from Melbourne on Saturday via Air Asia X D72723 at 7.15am and went to the Sungai Buloh hospital for treatment on Sunday when she developed a fever.
All the three cases were confirmed positive for the flu yesterday.
Health authorities are currently tracing crew and other passengers of flights J8190 which arrived in Pulau Tioman at 4pm on June 9, MH705 which arrived at KLIA at 7.05pm on Saturday and Jet Star Airlines 3K687 which arrived 25 minutes later.
The authorities are also tracing the crew and passengers of flights MH385 which arrived in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday at 6.10pm and Air Asia D7 2723 which arrived at the LCCT on Sunday at 7.15am.
Those who were on board these flights should call the Health Ministry at 08-888 10200 or 03-888 10300 for medical advice.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Travellers should practise self-quarantine
NST: PUTRAJAYA: Travellers from countries with reported influenza A (H1N1) cases have been advised to limit their movements for at least seven days from the day they arrive in Malaysia.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican advised those who had just returned from abroad to do the same thing.
"But if they begin to show influenza symptoms, they must seek treatment immediately and not get involved in any social activities or mingle with other people.
"This is to prevent local transmission," he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Ismail also cautioned the public to keep abreast of the latest information about the cases via the Health Ministry's website (www.moh.gov.my) and announcements made by ministry officials from time to time.
In the last 24 hours, 42 people with influenza symptoms who had returned from affected countries were reported.
Of the number, 16 had been admitted to the isolation wards of four hospitals for treatment and investigation, and 26 placed under home quarantine, Dr Ismail said.
The number of confirmed cases in Malaysia remains at 12, with no new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Malaysia has not reported any case of local transmission.
Dr Ismail said of the 12 cases, five were still receiving treatment at hospitals -- one each at Sungai Buloh Hospital, Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban and Kuala Lumpur Hospital and two at Penang Hospital.
"All of them are showing good response to the anti-virus treatment given."
He said the number of people placed under home quarantine was 123, with none having shown influenza symptoms.
The ministry has appealed to all "contacts" of those tested positive with influenza symptoms, including airline passengers and crew members, to call the ministry at 03-88810200 or 88810300.
"This is to enable us to render health advice accordingly, including the need for home quarantine."
He said according to the World Health Organisation, as at 8am yesterday, there were 29,960 influenza A cases from 74 countries, with 145 deaths.
An additional 133 cases were reported from eight countries in Australia (67), China (22), the Philippines (19), Hong Kong (11), New Zealand (nine), Korea (three), Malaysia (one) and Vietnam (one).
The ministry is also seeking the cooperation of Malaysian students overseas who intend to return for the summer holidays to postpone their journey home if they have influenza symptoms.
They are advised to get treatment before returning to Malaysia and to report to the medical team at Kuala Lumpur International Airport if they are unwell.
Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican advised those who had just returned from abroad to do the same thing.
"But if they begin to show influenza symptoms, they must seek treatment immediately and not get involved in any social activities or mingle with other people.
"This is to prevent local transmission," he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Ismail also cautioned the public to keep abreast of the latest information about the cases via the Health Ministry's website (www.moh.gov.my) and announcements made by ministry officials from time to time.
In the last 24 hours, 42 people with influenza symptoms who had returned from affected countries were reported.
Of the number, 16 had been admitted to the isolation wards of four hospitals for treatment and investigation, and 26 placed under home quarantine, Dr Ismail said.
The number of confirmed cases in Malaysia remains at 12, with no new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Malaysia has not reported any case of local transmission.
Dr Ismail said of the 12 cases, five were still receiving treatment at hospitals -- one each at Sungai Buloh Hospital, Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban and Kuala Lumpur Hospital and two at Penang Hospital.
"All of them are showing good response to the anti-virus treatment given."
He said the number of people placed under home quarantine was 123, with none having shown influenza symptoms.
The ministry has appealed to all "contacts" of those tested positive with influenza symptoms, including airline passengers and crew members, to call the ministry at 03-88810200 or 88810300.
"This is to enable us to render health advice accordingly, including the need for home quarantine."
He said according to the World Health Organisation, as at 8am yesterday, there were 29,960 influenza A cases from 74 countries, with 145 deaths.
An additional 133 cases were reported from eight countries in Australia (67), China (22), the Philippines (19), Hong Kong (11), New Zealand (nine), Korea (three), Malaysia (one) and Vietnam (one).
The ministry is also seeking the cooperation of Malaysian students overseas who intend to return for the summer holidays to postpone their journey home if they have influenza symptoms.
They are advised to get treatment before returning to Malaysia and to report to the medical team at Kuala Lumpur International Airport if they are unwell.
Avoid shaking hands and wear a mask, Liow advises people
Star: PETALING JAYA: Don’t shake hands – that’s the advice given by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai to those having influenza-like symptoms.
This is to minimise the risk of having the Influenza A (H1N1) virus from being transmitted locally.
People are, instead, advised to bow their heads in greeting or place their right hand on the upper left side of their chest to show respect.
Although there has been no recorded cases being transmitted locally, Liow urged those with flu-like symptoms to wear masks and refrain from shaking hands with others.
“It’s best to take all necessary precautions as the viral outbreak has reached pandemic level,” he said in an interview yesterday.
“During such moments of medical crisis, it is okay to not shake hands. People can instead bow their heads or place a right hand on the upper left chest to show respect,” he said.
However, Liow pointed out that the ministry could only advise Malaysians.
“We cannot force people to stop shaking hands with others,” he added.
The minister also called on the people to not alienate those wearing masks, saying:
“Generally, Malaysians are not comfortable wearing masks in public because others tend to avoid them.
“We are trying to drive home the message that it is okay to be near a person wearing a mask as it is a protective gear aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of such diseases.”
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said it was up to individuals to exercise caution to minimise the risk of transmitting communicable diseases.
He said Malaysia had to date recorded 12 confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases.
“Of the 12 cases, five are warded at designated hospitals – Hospital Sungai Buloh (one), Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban (one), Hospital Pulau Pinang (two) and Hospital Kuala Lumpur (one),” he said.
The health authorities had received 42 case notifications involving individuals who had recently returned from the affected countries.
“Of the new suspected cases, 29 have been confirmed negative. We are still waiting for the results of 13 others,” he said, adding that home quarantine was imposed on 123 people.
Dr Ismail also called on those who had come in contact with individuals who had been confirmed suffering from the flu, including cabin crew and flight passengers, to contact the ministry at 03-8881-0200 or 03-8881-0300 for advice on precautionary measures and home quarantine.
As of yesterday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recorded 29,960 flu cases, including 145 deaths in 74 countries.
Dr Ismail also advised people to wear surgical masks if they come into close contact with those with flu-like symptoms at shopping malls, movie theatres and other enclosed public places.
It was best to avoid congested places and badly ventilated areas, he added.
This is to minimise the risk of having the Influenza A (H1N1) virus from being transmitted locally.
People are, instead, advised to bow their heads in greeting or place their right hand on the upper left side of their chest to show respect.
Although there has been no recorded cases being transmitted locally, Liow urged those with flu-like symptoms to wear masks and refrain from shaking hands with others.
“It’s best to take all necessary precautions as the viral outbreak has reached pandemic level,” he said in an interview yesterday.
“During such moments of medical crisis, it is okay to not shake hands. People can instead bow their heads or place a right hand on the upper left chest to show respect,” he said.
However, Liow pointed out that the ministry could only advise Malaysians.
“We cannot force people to stop shaking hands with others,” he added.
The minister also called on the people to not alienate those wearing masks, saying:
“Generally, Malaysians are not comfortable wearing masks in public because others tend to avoid them.
“We are trying to drive home the message that it is okay to be near a person wearing a mask as it is a protective gear aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of such diseases.”
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said it was up to individuals to exercise caution to minimise the risk of transmitting communicable diseases.
He said Malaysia had to date recorded 12 confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases.
“Of the 12 cases, five are warded at designated hospitals – Hospital Sungai Buloh (one), Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban (one), Hospital Pulau Pinang (two) and Hospital Kuala Lumpur (one),” he said.
The health authorities had received 42 case notifications involving individuals who had recently returned from the affected countries.
“Of the new suspected cases, 29 have been confirmed negative. We are still waiting for the results of 13 others,” he said, adding that home quarantine was imposed on 123 people.
Dr Ismail also called on those who had come in contact with individuals who had been confirmed suffering from the flu, including cabin crew and flight passengers, to contact the ministry at 03-8881-0200 or 03-8881-0300 for advice on precautionary measures and home quarantine.
As of yesterday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recorded 29,960 flu cases, including 145 deaths in 74 countries.
Dr Ismail also advised people to wear surgical masks if they come into close contact with those with flu-like symptoms at shopping malls, movie theatres and other enclosed public places.
It was best to avoid congested places and badly ventilated areas, he added.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Health D-G missing the point, say docs
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Private Medical Practitioner’s Association of Malaysia is concerned over the comment by Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican that doctors, particularly private practitioners, be blamed for the dengue endemic in Malaysia.
The federation’s medical affairs committee representative Dr Ng Swee Choon said in a statement that it agreed with Dr Ismail that there was no excuse for doctors or hospitals not reporting confirmed cases of dengue.
He said the federation had been advising all private doctors to do so.
“If all private doctors were to send all cases of viral fever to the government hospitals and laboratories, will the system be able to cope?” he asked.
Dr Ng said prevention was the key in controlling dengue fever and what was really needed was a sustained effort to eradicate mosquito-breeding grounds.
“These were within the private properties of big companies which the public had no access to. Complaints to local authorities often fell on deaf ears.
“Unless there was a political will to take enforcement measures on the many big developers and the local authorities, blaming the private doctors was just missing the point.”
Dr Ng said patients should be aware that in the early stages of dengue fever, the signs and symptoms were common to all viral infections.
He said early symptoms like fever, bone aches, joint pains and pain behind the eyes were common in many viral infections. None of the symptoms was special to dengue alone, he said.
“Most dengue fever patients recover with almost no therapy and without the benefit of special blood tests, the diagnosis may never be made. Adequate rest and lots of oral fluid consumption to prevent dehydration is important. Patients are usually asked to see doctors regularly for monitoring and follow-up.
“By the time the full-blown rash of bleeding into the skin comes, it is often serious. We do not think that any reasonable doctor would miss that diagnosis,” he said.
The federation’s medical affairs committee representative Dr Ng Swee Choon said in a statement that it agreed with Dr Ismail that there was no excuse for doctors or hospitals not reporting confirmed cases of dengue.
He said the federation had been advising all private doctors to do so.
“If all private doctors were to send all cases of viral fever to the government hospitals and laboratories, will the system be able to cope?” he asked.
Dr Ng said prevention was the key in controlling dengue fever and what was really needed was a sustained effort to eradicate mosquito-breeding grounds.
“These were within the private properties of big companies which the public had no access to. Complaints to local authorities often fell on deaf ears.
“Unless there was a political will to take enforcement measures on the many big developers and the local authorities, blaming the private doctors was just missing the point.”
Dr Ng said patients should be aware that in the early stages of dengue fever, the signs and symptoms were common to all viral infections.
He said early symptoms like fever, bone aches, joint pains and pain behind the eyes were common in many viral infections. None of the symptoms was special to dengue alone, he said.
“Most dengue fever patients recover with almost no therapy and without the benefit of special blood tests, the diagnosis may never be made. Adequate rest and lots of oral fluid consumption to prevent dehydration is important. Patients are usually asked to see doctors regularly for monitoring and follow-up.
“By the time the full-blown rash of bleeding into the skin comes, it is often serious. We do not think that any reasonable doctor would miss that diagnosis,” he said.
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