Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Anyone with flu-like symptoms and with high fever that persists for more than 48 hours should now be treated with anti-viral drugs, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
The Health Minister said this was a change from the previous policy of prescribing the drugs only when patients showed symptoms and were suspected to have contracted the A (H1N1) virus.
He said the ministry had directed all public and private hospitals to administer immediate treatment to these patients.
Liow said there were three groups involved — those with influenza-like symptoms and suffering from underlying medical conditions; with symptoms and high fever that persist for more than two days; and those who tested positive for In-fluenza A (H1N1).
To reduce congestion at public hospitals, he said private hospitals had been told to conduct rapid tests on patients.
“We urge doctors to give seven days’ medical leave if the patient is tested positive,” he said, and advised those who received treatment to isolate themselves and wear masks.
Liow said 98% of all A (H1H1) patients recovered, but the concern was for those in the high-risk group who needed immediate treatment.
The death rate among those infected was 0.1% and this was not above the fatality rate in other countries, he added.
Liow said there were seven deaths since Aug 7, and they were aged between four months and 92 years. All had high-risk factors - severe pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, low immunity and congenital disease.
There was one death last Friday, two on Monday, and four on Tuesday. According to information from the ministry, except for one, all the patients had severe pneumonia.
He said a total of 51 patients, confirmed with the virus, were being warded, with 29 others admitted to the intensive care unit.
Of the 29, 16 were in the high-risk group with 12 suffering from chronic diseases.
Asked if those who are obese would be in the high-risk group, the minister said “only if they had low immunity”.
Liow said it was not practical to temporarily close down schools when there were cases.
“If we declare a school closed, there might be another case and the school would be closed again,” he said, adding that students might also contract the disease outside the school.
Asked if schools should declare early school holidays when exams were over, Liow said it was up to the Education Ministry to decide that.
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, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A(H1N1): 6 more deaths, total fatalities at 44
Star: PUTRAJAYA: There were six more Influenza A(H1N1)-related deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 44.
The latest deaths involved a 10-month-old girl, a one-year-old boy, an 18-year-old pregnant woman, a 24-year-old man and two other men in their 60s, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said here on Wednesday.
He also said that schools with suspected cases should not close entirely unless they could not function due to a high incidence of teachers or students being infected or under quarantine.
Liow said the principals of such schools would have to determine if this were the case, following advice from the state health director and after informing the state education director.
Liow also warned suppliers and traders not to indiscriminately increase the prices of facemasks and hand sanitisers to exploit the demand, adding that stern action would be taken against such profiteers.
The latest deaths involved a 10-month-old girl, a one-year-old boy, an 18-year-old pregnant woman, a 24-year-old man and two other men in their 60s, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said here on Wednesday.
He also said that schools with suspected cases should not close entirely unless they could not function due to a high incidence of teachers or students being infected or under quarantine.
Liow said the principals of such schools would have to determine if this were the case, following advice from the state health director and after informing the state education director.
Liow also warned suppliers and traders not to indiscriminately increase the prices of facemasks and hand sanitisers to exploit the demand, adding that stern action would be taken against such profiteers.
Don't take pandemic lightly, says WHO rep
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: At least 20 to 30 per cent of the Malaysian population are expected to be infected with influenza A (H1N1).
As such, the World Health Organisation said the government must come out with a comprehensive plan to better handle the situation with sufficient human resources, medical facilities, equipment and medication.
WHO representative for Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore, Dr Hans Tieru, said: "There will be many severe cases and many will die.
"Malaysia, just like other countries around the world and region, must be prepared to handle the burden."
Many will need hospitalisation and intensive care treatment. He added Malaysians cannot take the current pandemic lightly and be complacent as it was spreading rapidly, infecting thousands and killing many every day.
In Malaysia, he said, the number of confirmed cases and deaths was rising and causing concern. Another 270 new cases and six deaths were reported within the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in Malaysia to 2,253 with 38 deaths.
"This pandemic is still evolving and the new virus is expected to be around infecting people for at least a year or more. We are definitely going to see many people around the world being victims of this new virus. The reality is the pandemic will not stop soon," he told the New Straits Times.
He said there were people, including those in Malaysia, who think that the pandemic will stop soon, thus taking a very relaxed approach and not heeding the advice of health experts.
"Let me warn you, it's going to be around for more than a year. We are going to see an increasing number of more severe cases and deaths."
Commending the government and health ministry for their untiring effort taken in the containment and mitigation phase to reduce local transmissions, he said the government was doing its part to reduce or delay the spread.
As such, the World Health Organisation said the government must come out with a comprehensive plan to better handle the situation with sufficient human resources, medical facilities, equipment and medication.
WHO representative for Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore, Dr Hans Tieru, said: "There will be many severe cases and many will die.
"Malaysia, just like other countries around the world and region, must be prepared to handle the burden."
Many will need hospitalisation and intensive care treatment. He added Malaysians cannot take the current pandemic lightly and be complacent as it was spreading rapidly, infecting thousands and killing many every day.
In Malaysia, he said, the number of confirmed cases and deaths was rising and causing concern. Another 270 new cases and six deaths were reported within the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in Malaysia to 2,253 with 38 deaths.
"This pandemic is still evolving and the new virus is expected to be around infecting people for at least a year or more. We are definitely going to see many people around the world being victims of this new virus. The reality is the pandemic will not stop soon," he told the New Straits Times.
He said there were people, including those in Malaysia, who think that the pandemic will stop soon, thus taking a very relaxed approach and not heeding the advice of health experts.
"Let me warn you, it's going to be around for more than a year. We are going to see an increasing number of more severe cases and deaths."
Commending the government and health ministry for their untiring effort taken in the containment and mitigation phase to reduce local transmissions, he said the government was doing its part to reduce or delay the spread.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Flu fatalities climb to 32
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia reported six more deaths related to Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total number of fatalities to 32.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said there was one death on Sunday while two people succumbed to the disease last Wednesday. Three patients died on Saturday.
It was only now confirmed that the five had died of A (H1N1) following post-mortem, he said, adding that the deaths were officially reported to health authorities on Sunday.
“Four of the victims had underlying risk factors,” he said. “In the last 24 hours, 203 new cases were reported, of which 15 were treated in Intensive Care Unit and 67 patients are in the isolation wards,” he said yesterday.
To date, the total number of reported cases in the country stood at 1,982. Globally, 208,155 people have been found to be infected by the virus and 1,688 people from 174 countries have died.
Dr Ismail advised those who showed symptoms and in the high-risk groups to seek medical attention, adding that anti-viral treatment was effective on patients who began treatment within 48 hours of showing the flu symptoms.
High-risk groups include children who are below five years, senior citizens 65 years and above, children and youth under 19 who have been taking asprin for long-term, pregnant women, those who suffer from athsma, cronic lung disease, organ failure, cardiovascular, liver and blood system diseases, diabetic, obese people and those with low immunity.
“Those who show light symptoms should be given symptomatic treatment, stay at home and limit their interaction with others.”
In Perak, state Health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said another institution - the Mara Junior Science College in Lenggong - had been ordered to close.
A total of 41 schools and institutions in Pahang have been closed but 11 had reopened, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said.
“The staff of the state health department are doing their level best to curb the spread of the virus.”
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said there was one death on Sunday while two people succumbed to the disease last Wednesday. Three patients died on Saturday.
It was only now confirmed that the five had died of A (H1N1) following post-mortem, he said, adding that the deaths were officially reported to health authorities on Sunday.
“Four of the victims had underlying risk factors,” he said. “In the last 24 hours, 203 new cases were reported, of which 15 were treated in Intensive Care Unit and 67 patients are in the isolation wards,” he said yesterday.
To date, the total number of reported cases in the country stood at 1,982. Globally, 208,155 people have been found to be infected by the virus and 1,688 people from 174 countries have died.
Dr Ismail advised those who showed symptoms and in the high-risk groups to seek medical attention, adding that anti-viral treatment was effective on patients who began treatment within 48 hours of showing the flu symptoms.
High-risk groups include children who are below five years, senior citizens 65 years and above, children and youth under 19 who have been taking asprin for long-term, pregnant women, those who suffer from athsma, cronic lung disease, organ failure, cardiovascular, liver and blood system diseases, diabetic, obese people and those with low immunity.
“Those who show light symptoms should be given symptomatic treatment, stay at home and limit their interaction with others.”
In Perak, state Health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said another institution - the Mara Junior Science College in Lenggong - had been ordered to close.
A total of 41 schools and institutions in Pahang have been closed but 11 had reopened, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said.
“The staff of the state health department are doing their level best to curb the spread of the virus.”
Govt to launch large-scale H1N1 awareness campaign
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will launch a large-scale public awareness campaign on Influenza A (H1N1) beginning this week to educate the public on the pandemic in view of the worsening scenario in the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government would also make available anti-viral medicine for the public at hospitals and clinics nationwide.
He said the decisions were made after consultation with Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on ways to contain the spread of the pandemic locally.
“The most effective measure is through public education, that is, by educating the public through the provision of guidelines.
“Hence, a large-scale public awareness campaign will be held to provide such guidelines,” he told reporters after opening the National Heart Institute’s new building here yesterday.
To date, the flu has infected 1,983 people and killed 32 locally.
Najib also advised those who had fever to take extra precautions and refrain from going to public places.
“If one has a fever, the best thing to do is to rest at home until one recovers because if one goes out, others may be infected.
“Even in the house, they are advised to wear masks to avoid spreading the virus to family members,” he said.
He added that the anti-viral stock would be increased from the current 10% of the population to 20% involving an additional allocation of RM20mil.
“The Health Ministry, through the hospitals and clinics, will supply the anti-viral drug more widely so that more people can get the injections to help prevent a more virulent strain of the virus,” he said.
Najib said the Government would not impose any travel ban as this was a global pandemic.
Liow meanwhile told reporters later that the ministry was planning to rope in private medical practitioners to help contain the spread of the disease.
Advising the people not to panic, he said:
“The important thing is to control the situation together by maintaining personal hygiene and taking certain steps like self-quarantine, social distancing and getting immediate treatment for the symptoms.”
Last week, Liow ordered all the public and private clinics and hospitals to use rapid influenza screening tests for those who displayed the symptoms as part of the additional strategies to contain the spread.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government would also make available anti-viral medicine for the public at hospitals and clinics nationwide.
He said the decisions were made after consultation with Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican on ways to contain the spread of the pandemic locally.
“The most effective measure is through public education, that is, by educating the public through the provision of guidelines.
“Hence, a large-scale public awareness campaign will be held to provide such guidelines,” he told reporters after opening the National Heart Institute’s new building here yesterday.
To date, the flu has infected 1,983 people and killed 32 locally.
Najib also advised those who had fever to take extra precautions and refrain from going to public places.
“If one has a fever, the best thing to do is to rest at home until one recovers because if one goes out, others may be infected.
“Even in the house, they are advised to wear masks to avoid spreading the virus to family members,” he said.
He added that the anti-viral stock would be increased from the current 10% of the population to 20% involving an additional allocation of RM20mil.
“The Health Ministry, through the hospitals and clinics, will supply the anti-viral drug more widely so that more people can get the injections to help prevent a more virulent strain of the virus,” he said.
Najib said the Government would not impose any travel ban as this was a global pandemic.
Liow meanwhile told reporters later that the ministry was planning to rope in private medical practitioners to help contain the spread of the disease.
Advising the people not to panic, he said:
“The important thing is to control the situation together by maintaining personal hygiene and taking certain steps like self-quarantine, social distancing and getting immediate treatment for the symptoms.”
Last week, Liow ordered all the public and private clinics and hospitals to use rapid influenza screening tests for those who displayed the symptoms as part of the additional strategies to contain the spread.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sabah warned over private hospital plan
Star: KOTA KINABALU: Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has cautioned the Sabah government about its plans to set up a private hospital as it is an expensive business.
“I would say that to build a hospital is easy but to maintain or run one is not easy.
“I will say that now, we are already short of manpower in the Government itself. It is a very expensive investment. So, they must be cautious,” Liow said.
Liow was responding to Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman’s announcement that the state was going ahead with plans to refurbish abandoned Wisma Khidmat here and convert it into a hospital at a cost of RM100mil to overcome the bed shortage at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), whose tower block had been declared unsafe.
In making it clear that the ministry had its own plans with the purchase of the Sabah Medical Centre (SMC), Liow hinted that the ministry was not keen in getting involved with the state’s plan for a private hospital to assist the QEH.
“If the state is going to build it, then the state must run it and maintain it.
“We have our own plans with the purchase of SMC,” he told reporters after officially renaming Likas Hospital to the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital here.
He said the RM280mil purchase of the SMC building was in the final stages with the sales and purchase agreement to be signed by the end of the month.
Liow said tenders were also being called for the construction of the QEH twin tower block, which would take at the most 30 months to complete.
He said there would be an additional 600 beds available at the twin tower block.
Earlier, he said the renaming of Likas Hospital was to focus on health care for women and children in Sabah, where mortality rates were higher than the national average.
Liow said there were 28 deaths for every 100,000 mothers and this figure could reach above 60 if foreigners were taken into account.
“We want to push this figure down towards the national average of 10.8 deaths per 100,000,” he said, adding that the child mortality rate was 10.8 deaths per 1,000 births in Sabah, which the ministry hoped to reduce to 6.5 deaths per 1,000.
“I would say that to build a hospital is easy but to maintain or run one is not easy.
“I will say that now, we are already short of manpower in the Government itself. It is a very expensive investment. So, they must be cautious,” Liow said.
Liow was responding to Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman’s announcement that the state was going ahead with plans to refurbish abandoned Wisma Khidmat here and convert it into a hospital at a cost of RM100mil to overcome the bed shortage at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), whose tower block had been declared unsafe.
In making it clear that the ministry had its own plans with the purchase of the Sabah Medical Centre (SMC), Liow hinted that the ministry was not keen in getting involved with the state’s plan for a private hospital to assist the QEH.
“If the state is going to build it, then the state must run it and maintain it.
“We have our own plans with the purchase of SMC,” he told reporters after officially renaming Likas Hospital to the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital here.
He said the RM280mil purchase of the SMC building was in the final stages with the sales and purchase agreement to be signed by the end of the month.
Liow said tenders were also being called for the construction of the QEH twin tower block, which would take at the most 30 months to complete.
He said there would be an additional 600 beds available at the twin tower block.
Earlier, he said the renaming of Likas Hospital was to focus on health care for women and children in Sabah, where mortality rates were higher than the national average.
Liow said there were 28 deaths for every 100,000 mothers and this figure could reach above 60 if foreigners were taken into account.
“We want to push this figure down towards the national average of 10.8 deaths per 100,000,” he said, adding that the child mortality rate was 10.8 deaths per 1,000 births in Sabah, which the ministry hoped to reduce to 6.5 deaths per 1,000.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
A(H1N1): Eight more deaths reported
Star: KOTA KINABALU: The number of deaths from Influenza A (H1N1) virus rose to 26 nationwide on Sunday with the Health Ministry confirming that eight more people have died from the deadly virus.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the deaths, which between Aug 3 to 8, were confirmed to have resulted from the deadly virus following test results. (One person died on Aug 3, two on Aug 5, four on Aug 6 and the last one on Aug 8)
He said the latest eight deaths involved mainly people in the high risk group though there was one 20-year-old college student who was found dead at her hostel about a week after obtaining outpatient treatment at a hospital.
Among the dead are two Sabahans - a 24-year-old obese woman from Ranau who died of pulmonary oedema after a bout of flu and fever while the other involved a 74-year-old man with a history of heart problem who died of pneumonia and pulmonary oedema.
The others deaths were a 47-year-old patient with asthma in Sarawak and a 37-year-old obese male who died of broncho-pneumonia at the hospital in Johor Baru.
Liow said as at Sunday, there were a total of 62 patients warded in hospitals with 13 in the intensive care units, while an additional five were waiting for test results. The Health Minister also said that in Sabah, 402 confirmed cases had been detected, with seven patients still in hospital and one in ICU.
He said 35 schools had also been closed to date.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the deaths, which between Aug 3 to 8, were confirmed to have resulted from the deadly virus following test results. (One person died on Aug 3, two on Aug 5, four on Aug 6 and the last one on Aug 8)
He said the latest eight deaths involved mainly people in the high risk group though there was one 20-year-old college student who was found dead at her hostel about a week after obtaining outpatient treatment at a hospital.
Among the dead are two Sabahans - a 24-year-old obese woman from Ranau who died of pulmonary oedema after a bout of flu and fever while the other involved a 74-year-old man with a history of heart problem who died of pneumonia and pulmonary oedema.
The others deaths were a 47-year-old patient with asthma in Sarawak and a 37-year-old obese male who died of broncho-pneumonia at the hospital in Johor Baru.
Liow said as at Sunday, there were a total of 62 patients warded in hospitals with 13 in the intensive care units, while an additional five were waiting for test results. The Health Minister also said that in Sabah, 402 confirmed cases had been detected, with seven patients still in hospital and one in ICU.
He said 35 schools had also been closed to date.
Utar to offer medical courses soon
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman will be offering medical courses soon which the Government hopes will stem the shortage of doctors in Malaysia.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who announced this, said that only 53% of all positions in government hospitals for doctors were taken up and the Government was forced to hire 700 contract doctors to fill the void.
He said many facilities including intensive care units and operating theatres were under-utilised because there were not enough qualified staff to run them, thus the need to increase the number of doctors.
“Facilities in local hospitals need to be expanded to cater for more housemen. Not all universities have hospitals to provide training for housemen. We have 135 hospitals but only about 50 of them can cater for housemanship.
“Our target is one doctor to 600 patients. Our current ratio is one doctor to 1,145 patients, so there is a lot of room for improvement,” he told reporters after presenting scrolls to Utar graduates during a convocation ceremony at Wisma MCA yesterday.
The convocation is being held over three days and involves 2,895 graduates.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who announced this, said that only 53% of all positions in government hospitals for doctors were taken up and the Government was forced to hire 700 contract doctors to fill the void.
He said many facilities including intensive care units and operating theatres were under-utilised because there were not enough qualified staff to run them, thus the need to increase the number of doctors.
“Facilities in local hospitals need to be expanded to cater for more housemen. Not all universities have hospitals to provide training for housemen. We have 135 hospitals but only about 50 of them can cater for housemanship.
“Our target is one doctor to 600 patients. Our current ratio is one doctor to 1,145 patients, so there is a lot of room for improvement,” he told reporters after presenting scrolls to Utar graduates during a convocation ceremony at Wisma MCA yesterday.
The convocation is being held over three days and involves 2,895 graduates.
Baby among three new A(H1N1) deaths
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Three more people including a baby and a child died of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the death toll to 18.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the 16-month-old baby girl had fever, cough and runny nose for a week before she was admitted to hospital last Sunday.
He said the baby died of severe pneumonia with underlying A (H1N1) infection at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru on Friday.
A five-year-old boy with upper respiratory tract infection, died of encephalitis secondary to A (H1N1) at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan on Friday, said Liow.
He said the other flu-hit victim was a 63-year-old asthmatic patient who died of severe pneumonia and underlying pulmonary tuberculosis.
“He had fever, runny nose and cough for five days before being admitted to Selayang Hospital last Sunday.’’
Liow said the country also recorded 53 new cases, bringing the total to 1,578.
“There are still 64 people warded at the hospital including two babies, two obese persons and a post-delivery mother in the high-risk group.’’
Liow has urged the public to practise good hygiene, avoid crowded places and shun big events.
However, he said the Merdeka celebrations at Bukit Jalil National Stadium this month would be held as planned for now.
“We will screen everyone including participants of the parade and the public before they enter the stadium,’’ he said.
He also called for private medical practitioners to give out masks to flu and cough patients as part of their treatment.
“The vaccine will only arrive by the end of the year. For now, we must prevent the flu from spreading,’’ he told a press conference after opening the Japan Clinic at HSC Medical Centre here Saturday.
Liow also urged local doctors to be more competitive following healthcare liberalisation.
The liberalisation, which is taking place in stages, enables foreign companies to open hospitals and foreign doctors to work in the country.
Liow said the ministry has so far opened up five sectors.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the 16-month-old baby girl had fever, cough and runny nose for a week before she was admitted to hospital last Sunday.
He said the baby died of severe pneumonia with underlying A (H1N1) infection at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru on Friday.
A five-year-old boy with upper respiratory tract infection, died of encephalitis secondary to A (H1N1) at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan on Friday, said Liow.
He said the other flu-hit victim was a 63-year-old asthmatic patient who died of severe pneumonia and underlying pulmonary tuberculosis.
“He had fever, runny nose and cough for five days before being admitted to Selayang Hospital last Sunday.’’
Liow said the country also recorded 53 new cases, bringing the total to 1,578.
“There are still 64 people warded at the hospital including two babies, two obese persons and a post-delivery mother in the high-risk group.’’
Liow has urged the public to practise good hygiene, avoid crowded places and shun big events.
However, he said the Merdeka celebrations at Bukit Jalil National Stadium this month would be held as planned for now.
“We will screen everyone including participants of the parade and the public before they enter the stadium,’’ he said.
He also called for private medical practitioners to give out masks to flu and cough patients as part of their treatment.
“The vaccine will only arrive by the end of the year. For now, we must prevent the flu from spreading,’’ he told a press conference after opening the Japan Clinic at HSC Medical Centre here Saturday.
Liow also urged local doctors to be more competitive following healthcare liberalisation.
The liberalisation, which is taking place in stages, enables foreign companies to open hospitals and foreign doctors to work in the country.
Liow said the ministry has so far opened up five sectors.
All have role to play to contain A(H1N1), says expert
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The nation will not be able to contain the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus if the public does not take preventive measures like ensuring personal hygiene and imposing self-quarantine whenever necessary.
The onus is on every individual, family and place of work to adopt such measures to help check the flu, which has claimed 18 lives in Malaysia to date.
Dr Christopher K.C. Lee, head and senior consultant physician (infectious diseases) at Hospital Sungai Buloh, said there were many things that were not yet understood about this infection and a concerted effort was needed of all parties to help the situation.
“We need to adjust the guidelines as the pandemic evolves. That can make it difficult for doctors and the public to keep up to date but this is important to ensure appropriate response,” he adds.
Dr Lee said medical experts had since learnt that the virus was transmitted by droplet-spread.
He said if the flu spread sharply, more people would be infected within a short period of time.
“If 2% of 100 patients are admitted, it is only two people; but if it is 2% of one million or 20,000, then it is a lot!”
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said those who are not warded shouldered the responsibility of not spreading the virus.
“Follow the advice of the Health Ministry. It is crucial now for all of us to work together on this – do not take this lightly.
“If you are healthy you may recover, but those in the high-risk group may not. We have to work to stop it before it is too late and goes out of control,” said Liow.
The onus is on every individual, family and place of work to adopt such measures to help check the flu, which has claimed 18 lives in Malaysia to date.
Dr Christopher K.C. Lee, head and senior consultant physician (infectious diseases) at Hospital Sungai Buloh, said there were many things that were not yet understood about this infection and a concerted effort was needed of all parties to help the situation.
“We need to adjust the guidelines as the pandemic evolves. That can make it difficult for doctors and the public to keep up to date but this is important to ensure appropriate response,” he adds.
Dr Lee said medical experts had since learnt that the virus was transmitted by droplet-spread.
He said if the flu spread sharply, more people would be infected within a short period of time.
“If 2% of 100 patients are admitted, it is only two people; but if it is 2% of one million or 20,000, then it is a lot!”
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said those who are not warded shouldered the responsibility of not spreading the virus.
“Follow the advice of the Health Ministry. It is crucial now for all of us to work together on this – do not take this lightly.
“If you are healthy you may recover, but those in the high-risk group may not. We have to work to stop it before it is too late and goes out of control,” said Liow.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Health Ministry: Use rapid tests to check for flu
Star: PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry is encouraging the public and private sectors to use rapid screening tests for those with flu-like symptoms.
This was among the additional strategies to battle the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) and to solve the congestion in the public hospitals and clinics.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the World Health Organisation recommended the use of rapid tests in assisting clinical decisions and for the rapid screening of cluster outbreaks.
“It must be noted that these tests are only 70-75% accurate,” it said. As this meant a proportion of those infected might test negative, patients whose tests show a negative result should still observe all necessary precautions.
All clinics and hospitals in the public and private sectors could now treat patients suspected of having contracted A (H1N1) with oseltamvir, better known as Tamiflu.
The ministry said it would discontinue the daily reporting of the number of tested and confirmed cases in the country. However, it would continue reporting the number of admitted flu cases and deaths.
Doctors have also been told to be flexible and give patients who showed flu-like symptoms at least a three-day medical leave to minimise the risk of transmission.
Negri Sembilan Health Depart-ment director Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, who spoke to reporters after a meeting with Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in Port Dickson yesterday, said employers should also accept these medical certificates.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, meanwhile, said a 40-year-old man was the latest fatality from the flu, bringing the death toll to 15.
He said the man, who was obese, was admitted into KL Hospital after suffering from breathing difficulties on Monday and died of acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock (caused by the failure of the heart to pump effectively) two days later.
Johor Health department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yaakub, meanwhile, reported two deaths in the state yesterday which were not included in the national tally.
A nine-year-old girl and a 37-year-old man died at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru yesterday.
This was among the additional strategies to battle the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) and to solve the congestion in the public hospitals and clinics.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the World Health Organisation recommended the use of rapid tests in assisting clinical decisions and for the rapid screening of cluster outbreaks.
“It must be noted that these tests are only 70-75% accurate,” it said. As this meant a proportion of those infected might test negative, patients whose tests show a negative result should still observe all necessary precautions.
All clinics and hospitals in the public and private sectors could now treat patients suspected of having contracted A (H1N1) with oseltamvir, better known as Tamiflu.
The ministry said it would discontinue the daily reporting of the number of tested and confirmed cases in the country. However, it would continue reporting the number of admitted flu cases and deaths.
Doctors have also been told to be flexible and give patients who showed flu-like symptoms at least a three-day medical leave to minimise the risk of transmission.
Negri Sembilan Health Depart-ment director Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, who spoke to reporters after a meeting with Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in Port Dickson yesterday, said employers should also accept these medical certificates.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, meanwhile, said a 40-year-old man was the latest fatality from the flu, bringing the death toll to 15.
He said the man, who was obese, was admitted into KL Hospital after suffering from breathing difficulties on Monday and died of acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock (caused by the failure of the heart to pump effectively) two days later.
Johor Health department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yaakub, meanwhile, reported two deaths in the state yesterday which were not included in the national tally.
A nine-year-old girl and a 37-year-old man died at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru yesterday.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Liow: Docs will decide on who to test for H1N1
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need for people with flu-like symptoms to be tested for the influenza A (H1N1) virus, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
He said it was up to the doctor to decide on the treatment of the patient.
He added that those not in the high-risk group should listen to the advice of doctors and follow the symptomatic treatment prescribed.
“The public need not worry if they are tested or not. Whether you know you have H1N1 or not, what is more important is your symptoms and health.
“We will take the initiative to test for H1N1 when we see that you are in a particular high-risk group. This is our decision now,” he told a press conference after visiting the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday.
Currently, he said testing was only available at the Institute of Medical Research here, Sungai Buloh and Kota Kinabalu.
“They can still go to a private hospital for testing. The University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has testing laboratories.
“Private clinics do not have the facilities unless they use a rapid test which is not accurate. There is only 80% accuracy,” he said.
He said the three government labs could only handle a total of 1,000 tests per day, adding that the ministry was currently trying to equip state hospitals with H1N1 testing labs to cope with demand.
When asked how can people with flu-like symptoms could be treated, Liow replied:
“For those not in the high-risk group, they are still getting symptomatic treatment. The doctor will prescribe medicine but just not anti-viral medicine.
“These people need to rest, drink more water, practice social distancing and stay away from public activities. They will recover in time,” he said.
Liow said it was important for the public not to panic but they must be on high alert and vigilant on the pandemic.
He said it was up to the doctor to decide on the treatment of the patient.
He added that those not in the high-risk group should listen to the advice of doctors and follow the symptomatic treatment prescribed.
“The public need not worry if they are tested or not. Whether you know you have H1N1 or not, what is more important is your symptoms and health.
“We will take the initiative to test for H1N1 when we see that you are in a particular high-risk group. This is our decision now,” he told a press conference after visiting the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday.
Currently, he said testing was only available at the Institute of Medical Research here, Sungai Buloh and Kota Kinabalu.
“They can still go to a private hospital for testing. The University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has testing laboratories.
“Private clinics do not have the facilities unless they use a rapid test which is not accurate. There is only 80% accuracy,” he said.
He said the three government labs could only handle a total of 1,000 tests per day, adding that the ministry was currently trying to equip state hospitals with H1N1 testing labs to cope with demand.
When asked how can people with flu-like symptoms could be treated, Liow replied:
“For those not in the high-risk group, they are still getting symptomatic treatment. The doctor will prescribe medicine but just not anti-viral medicine.
“These people need to rest, drink more water, practice social distancing and stay away from public activities. They will recover in time,” he said.
Liow said it was important for the public not to panic but they must be on high alert and vigilant on the pandemic.
Hospitals and clinics to get anti-viral drug, says Ismail
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Starting today, all government hospitals, clinics and selected private hospitals will have the influenza A (H1N1) anti-viral drug Tamiflu, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said.
He, however, cautioned that all anti-viral drugs should not be taken as a preventive measure as this could result in the virus developing resistance to medication.
“Pharmacists are also warned not to sell anti-viral drugs to the public without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr Ismail told a press conference here yesterday.
He said that besides all government hospitals and clinics, 22 private hospitals nationwide would be supplied with Tamiflu.
Private clinics would also be allowed to obtain stocks from relevant suppliers.
“The suppliers have given us the assurance that there is sufficient supply of anti-viral medication,” he said.
Dr Ismail also warned doctors not to use anti-viral drugs to prevent a person from getting the flu.
“Not only have such measures been proven ineffective, they will also cause resistance to the medication as reported in the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Denmark and Canada,” he said.
Furthermore, he said the move would also deplete the resources for such medication.
Dr Ismail advised doctors and healthcare practitioners to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected.
He said that unlike the SARS outbreak where none of the healthcare personnel were infected, the H1N1 flu had caused a few to fall ill.
The death toll from influenza A (H1N1) rose to 14 with the latest casualty being a 57-year-old pensioner who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension.
He was warded at the Putrajaya Hospital on Tuesday and died of acute pulmonary oedema the next day.
Health authorities also recorded 16 new cases in the 24 hours before 8am yesterday, all being local transmissions, bringing the total number to 1,492.
He, however, cautioned that all anti-viral drugs should not be taken as a preventive measure as this could result in the virus developing resistance to medication.
“Pharmacists are also warned not to sell anti-viral drugs to the public without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr Ismail told a press conference here yesterday.
He said that besides all government hospitals and clinics, 22 private hospitals nationwide would be supplied with Tamiflu.
Private clinics would also be allowed to obtain stocks from relevant suppliers.
“The suppliers have given us the assurance that there is sufficient supply of anti-viral medication,” he said.
Dr Ismail also warned doctors not to use anti-viral drugs to prevent a person from getting the flu.
“Not only have such measures been proven ineffective, they will also cause resistance to the medication as reported in the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Denmark and Canada,” he said.
Furthermore, he said the move would also deplete the resources for such medication.
Dr Ismail advised doctors and healthcare practitioners to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected.
He said that unlike the SARS outbreak where none of the healthcare personnel were infected, the H1N1 flu had caused a few to fall ill.
The death toll from influenza A (H1N1) rose to 14 with the latest casualty being a 57-year-old pensioner who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension.
He was warded at the Putrajaya Hospital on Tuesday and died of acute pulmonary oedema the next day.
Health authorities also recorded 16 new cases in the 24 hours before 8am yesterday, all being local transmissions, bringing the total number to 1,492.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
A(H1N1): Death toll increases to 14
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Health authorities urged the public not to panic and stepped up measures to contain the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak as the virus claimed its 14th fatality.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that as of 8am Thursday, the death toll had reached 14, the latest casualty being a 57-year-old pensioner who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension.
He was warded at the intensive care unit at the Putrajaya Hospital on Aug 4 and succumbed to acute pulmonary oedema on Wednesday.
Health authorities also recorded 16 new cases in the last 24 hours; all were local tranmissions with two new clusters reported. The number of people who have been infected in Malaysia stood at 1,492.
Dr Ismail also said that beginning Friday, all government hospitals, clinics and 22 private hospitals nationwide would be supplied with the Tamiflu anti-viral medication. Private clinics would be able to obtain their supply from the relevant pharmaceutical suppliers.
“The suppliers have given us the assurance that there is sufficient supply of anti-viral medication. However, I would like to warn doctors not to use the drugs as prophylaxis or medication to prevent one from getting the flu.
“This is because not only have such measures proven to be ineffective, they will also cause resistance to the medication as reported in the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Denmark and Canada.
“This move will also deplete the resources for such medication. Pharmacists are also warned not to sell the anti-viral drugs to the public without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr Ismail said.
Dr Ismail also said that not all who have developed flu-like symptoms need to be tested for A(H1N1) and urged the public not to panic or feel upset if hospitals send them home without taking throat swabs.
He said only those who were warded in hospitals and in high-risk groups would be tested for the flu.
“The technical commitee had decided on this because each day, the Institute of Medical Research is flooded with at least 500 applications for A(H1N1) tests and 80% to 90% are tested negative.
“We want to prevent wastage and overloading so that the institute can concentrate on detecting genuine cases and conduct tests which are more important and crucial,” he told a press conference Thursday.
Dr Ismail added that apart from conducting tests to confirm Influenza A(H1N1), the IMR was also responsible for looking for new virus strains and determining if the present virus is resistant to anti-viral medication.
He noted that so far, tests to determine both had been negative.
Dr Ismail also advised doctors and healthcare practitioners to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected with the flu after close contact with patients.
He added that unlike the SARS outbreak where none of the healthcare personnel were infected, the A(H1N1) flu had caused a few to fall ill.
He said the public has an important role to play to curtail the spread and must heed medical advice, especially when asked to go under home quarantine.
“One should not go out when asked to remain at home. Even when inside the house, one should confine himself to a room and strictly minimise contact with the rest of the household.
“I cannot impress enough how important it is for members of the public to be responsible and not to infect others when they are down with the flu, cough or cold, and to maintain high levels of hygiene,” he said.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said that as of 8am Thursday, the death toll had reached 14, the latest casualty being a 57-year-old pensioner who was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension.
He was warded at the intensive care unit at the Putrajaya Hospital on Aug 4 and succumbed to acute pulmonary oedema on Wednesday.
Health authorities also recorded 16 new cases in the last 24 hours; all were local tranmissions with two new clusters reported. The number of people who have been infected in Malaysia stood at 1,492.
Dr Ismail also said that beginning Friday, all government hospitals, clinics and 22 private hospitals nationwide would be supplied with the Tamiflu anti-viral medication. Private clinics would be able to obtain their supply from the relevant pharmaceutical suppliers.
“The suppliers have given us the assurance that there is sufficient supply of anti-viral medication. However, I would like to warn doctors not to use the drugs as prophylaxis or medication to prevent one from getting the flu.
“This is because not only have such measures proven to be ineffective, they will also cause resistance to the medication as reported in the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, Denmark and Canada.
“This move will also deplete the resources for such medication. Pharmacists are also warned not to sell the anti-viral drugs to the public without a doctor’s prescription,” Dr Ismail said.
Dr Ismail also said that not all who have developed flu-like symptoms need to be tested for A(H1N1) and urged the public not to panic or feel upset if hospitals send them home without taking throat swabs.
He said only those who were warded in hospitals and in high-risk groups would be tested for the flu.
“The technical commitee had decided on this because each day, the Institute of Medical Research is flooded with at least 500 applications for A(H1N1) tests and 80% to 90% are tested negative.
“We want to prevent wastage and overloading so that the institute can concentrate on detecting genuine cases and conduct tests which are more important and crucial,” he told a press conference Thursday.
Dr Ismail added that apart from conducting tests to confirm Influenza A(H1N1), the IMR was also responsible for looking for new virus strains and determining if the present virus is resistant to anti-viral medication.
He noted that so far, tests to determine both had been negative.
Dr Ismail also advised doctors and healthcare practitioners to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from being infected with the flu after close contact with patients.
He added that unlike the SARS outbreak where none of the healthcare personnel were infected, the A(H1N1) flu had caused a few to fall ill.
He said the public has an important role to play to curtail the spread and must heed medical advice, especially when asked to go under home quarantine.
“One should not go out when asked to remain at home. Even when inside the house, one should confine himself to a room and strictly minimise contact with the rest of the household.
“I cannot impress enough how important it is for members of the public to be responsible and not to infect others when they are down with the flu, cough or cold, and to maintain high levels of hygiene,” he said.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
A(H1N1): Four more deaths, total at 12
Star: PETALING JAYA: The Influenza A(H1N1) virus claimed four more lives, bringing the total number of fatalities in Malaysia to 12.
Three patients were a three-year-old, a 12-year-old and a 20-year old who all died at the Malacca Hospital on Aug 3, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican said on Wednesday.
The fourth was a six-year-old boy who died at 2.30am Wednesday at the Batu Pahat Hospital, the second such death in Johor.
Overall, there were 16 new cases of A(H1N1) infection recorded over the past 24 hours, bringing the accumulated total in Malaysia to 1,476 since the outbreak, Ismail said in a statement from PUTRAJAYA.
He said the three-year-old girl died from severe pneumonia at 4.30pm on Aug 3 after having been confirmed to being infected with A(H1N1) at 6.19pm the previous day, reports IZATUN SHARI.
The girl. who had a history of chronic respiratory tract infection, was warded in Malacca Hospital on July 31 after developing flu and cough symptoms on July 25.
Prior to that, she had received early treatment at private clinics before being admitted to a private hospital on July 30 and later referred to Malacca Hospital.
Dr Ismail said the 12-year-old boy died from severe pneumonia at 2pm on Monday and was confirmed to have been infected with A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.
He said the boy, who suffered from chronic kidney failure and underwent dialysis treatment, was admitted to the hospital on Monday with a fever, cough and breathing difficulties since Aug 1.
“The 11th case involved a 20-year-old man with chronic asthma who was admitted to Malacca Hospital on Aug 2 after having fever, cough and breathing difficulties since July 31,” Dr Ismail said.
“He was admitted to the intensive care unit and confirmed to have had severe pneumonia,” he said, adding that the victim died at 2.30am on Monday and confirmed to have had A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.
Dr Ismail said the 16 new cases involved 10 from three new clusters and six sporadic cases.
“Of the 16 new cases, two are still being treated in wards, 11 are receiving outpatient treatment and three have died,” he said.
In JOHOR BARU, Johor Health department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yaakub said that the six-year-old boy, who was also suffering from pnemonia, died at about 2.30am on Wednesday.
“He was first admitted to a private hospital in Batu Pahat on July 26, and was later admitted to the Batu Pahat Hospital on July 30.
“He tested positive for the flu on July 31,” he said, reports FARIK ZOLKEPLI.
Dr Mohd Khairi said that Health Department personnel would monitor the conditions of the boy’s parents and other family members.
“We will treat them if they show any symptoms consistent with the flu,” he said.
In BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said his ministry was worried that the increasing haze throughout the country will worsen the spread of the A(H1N1) influenza.
The rising air pollution has resulted in an increase of respiratory ailments, a situation which will cause the sufferers to be more vulnerable to a fatal A(H1N1) virus attack, he said.
On Tuesday, the air quality in five areas reached unhealthy levels as the number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan increased drastically.
The haze has complicated an already difficult situation, Liow said, reports STEPHEN THEN.
“The A(H1N1) virus attacks the lung cells directly. It then causes serious pneunomia. Those with respiratory ailments have weaker immune systems and the attack can be more serious.
“Those with more serious respiratory ailments like asthma will have higher risks of getting a fatal A(H1N1) attack,” he told a press conference.
Liow was here in Brunei with six other Cabinet ministers to accompany Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the latter’s annual consultative meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Liow also warned those with even a mild case of flu to immediately isolate themselves from their family and the general public to curb the flu.
Three patients were a three-year-old, a 12-year-old and a 20-year old who all died at the Malacca Hospital on Aug 3, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Ismail Merican said on Wednesday.
The fourth was a six-year-old boy who died at 2.30am Wednesday at the Batu Pahat Hospital, the second such death in Johor.
Overall, there were 16 new cases of A(H1N1) infection recorded over the past 24 hours, bringing the accumulated total in Malaysia to 1,476 since the outbreak, Ismail said in a statement from PUTRAJAYA.
He said the three-year-old girl died from severe pneumonia at 4.30pm on Aug 3 after having been confirmed to being infected with A(H1N1) at 6.19pm the previous day, reports IZATUN SHARI.
The girl. who had a history of chronic respiratory tract infection, was warded in Malacca Hospital on July 31 after developing flu and cough symptoms on July 25.
Prior to that, she had received early treatment at private clinics before being admitted to a private hospital on July 30 and later referred to Malacca Hospital.
Dr Ismail said the 12-year-old boy died from severe pneumonia at 2pm on Monday and was confirmed to have been infected with A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.
He said the boy, who suffered from chronic kidney failure and underwent dialysis treatment, was admitted to the hospital on Monday with a fever, cough and breathing difficulties since Aug 1.
“The 11th case involved a 20-year-old man with chronic asthma who was admitted to Malacca Hospital on Aug 2 after having fever, cough and breathing difficulties since July 31,” Dr Ismail said.
“He was admitted to the intensive care unit and confirmed to have had severe pneumonia,” he said, adding that the victim died at 2.30am on Monday and confirmed to have had A(H1N1) at 5.50pm on Tuesday.
Dr Ismail said the 16 new cases involved 10 from three new clusters and six sporadic cases.
“Of the 16 new cases, two are still being treated in wards, 11 are receiving outpatient treatment and three have died,” he said.
In JOHOR BARU, Johor Health department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yaakub said that the six-year-old boy, who was also suffering from pnemonia, died at about 2.30am on Wednesday.
“He was first admitted to a private hospital in Batu Pahat on July 26, and was later admitted to the Batu Pahat Hospital on July 30.
“He tested positive for the flu on July 31,” he said, reports FARIK ZOLKEPLI.
Dr Mohd Khairi said that Health Department personnel would monitor the conditions of the boy’s parents and other family members.
“We will treat them if they show any symptoms consistent with the flu,” he said.
In BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said his ministry was worried that the increasing haze throughout the country will worsen the spread of the A(H1N1) influenza.
The rising air pollution has resulted in an increase of respiratory ailments, a situation which will cause the sufferers to be more vulnerable to a fatal A(H1N1) virus attack, he said.
On Tuesday, the air quality in five areas reached unhealthy levels as the number of hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan increased drastically.
The haze has complicated an already difficult situation, Liow said, reports STEPHEN THEN.
“The A(H1N1) virus attacks the lung cells directly. It then causes serious pneunomia. Those with respiratory ailments have weaker immune systems and the attack can be more serious.
“Those with more serious respiratory ailments like asthma will have higher risks of getting a fatal A(H1N1) attack,” he told a press conference.
Liow was here in Brunei with six other Cabinet ministers to accompany Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the latter’s annual consultative meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Liow also warned those with even a mild case of flu to immediately isolate themselves from their family and the general public to curb the flu.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Doctors hit by H1N1, too
Star: MALACCA: Two doctors with the Malacca Hospital have been placed under home quarantine after developing the influenza A (H1N1) symptoms several days ago.
One of them, a 34-year-old woman doctor, was tested positive on Saturday. The woman doctor, who is attached to the hospital’s medical ward, developed a mild fever on Thursday night and sought treatment the following day when she developed breathing difficulties.
“I had mild fever but no other flu-like symptoms. However, I knew something was not right the following morning when I experienced shortness of breath,” she said when contacted at her home in Klebang.
The doctor, who was supposed to attend a dinner gathering at a hotel here on Saturday night, immediately got herself tested at the hospital.
“I was very anxious and wanted to know if I had the H1N1 flu before the dinner, as I did not want to spread it to others,” she said, adding that the results from a swab sample came back positive for the flu on Saturday morning.
She said she was immediately prescribed Tamiflu tablets and put under home quarantine until tomorrow (Wednesday).
“I am fortunate as I noticed changes in my breathing early on and sought help immediately. My condition showed a marked improvement immediately after taking the tablets,” she added.
State health director Dr Ghazali Othman confirmed the two doctors had been placed under quarantined.
Dr Ghazali also confirmed that more than 1,000 people had come to the hospital since the middle of last week to check if they had contracted the H1N1 virus.
One of them, a 34-year-old woman doctor, was tested positive on Saturday. The woman doctor, who is attached to the hospital’s medical ward, developed a mild fever on Thursday night and sought treatment the following day when she developed breathing difficulties.
“I had mild fever but no other flu-like symptoms. However, I knew something was not right the following morning when I experienced shortness of breath,” she said when contacted at her home in Klebang.
The doctor, who was supposed to attend a dinner gathering at a hotel here on Saturday night, immediately got herself tested at the hospital.
“I was very anxious and wanted to know if I had the H1N1 flu before the dinner, as I did not want to spread it to others,” she said, adding that the results from a swab sample came back positive for the flu on Saturday morning.
She said she was immediately prescribed Tamiflu tablets and put under home quarantine until tomorrow (Wednesday).
“I am fortunate as I noticed changes in my breathing early on and sought help immediately. My condition showed a marked improvement immediately after taking the tablets,” she added.
State health director Dr Ghazali Othman confirmed the two doctors had been placed under quarantined.
Dr Ghazali also confirmed that more than 1,000 people had come to the hospital since the middle of last week to check if they had contracted the H1N1 virus.
Liow: Anti-viral treatment for high-risk groups
Star: PETALING JAYA: High-risk groups, including children and pregnant women, must be given anti-viral treatment if they go to hospitals with influenza-like symptoms.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the latest directive was made because these groups must be treated fast although they had yet to be confirmed with the influenza A (H1N1) virus.
“Waiting to be tested and waiting for the results could result in a delay in treatment,” said Liow, adding that the test results can be out within six hours.
To improve the identification of patients infected with the virus, Liow said a new set of guidelines would be issued to doctors on how to “increase the index of suspicion of patients with influenza A (H1N1)”.
On a doctor from the Malacca Hospital who has the virus, Liow said all doctors, as frontliners, must take the stipulated precautionary measures.
The spread of H1N1 virus could not be stopped and was inevitably in the community now and doctors for instance could also get infected outside their workplace, he added.
Liow said a meeting between ministries and all agencies involved would be held today to come up with more measures to curb the spread of the virus in the community.
In Putrajaya, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said 17 new cases were reported yesterday, which he described as sporadic or isolated.
He said seven of the new patients were treated at isolation wards, one at the intensive care unit while nine received outpatient treatment.
The total number of H1N1 cases reported in the country stands at 1,446.
Dr Ismail said 1,408 patients who contracted the flu had recovered and only 29 people were still being warded in hospital, adding that eight of them were warded in ICU as they were high-risk patients who were obese, pregnant and had low immunity.
In Ipoh, state Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said two new H1N1 cases were reported yesterday. They have recovered and were discharged from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the latest directive was made because these groups must be treated fast although they had yet to be confirmed with the influenza A (H1N1) virus.
“Waiting to be tested and waiting for the results could result in a delay in treatment,” said Liow, adding that the test results can be out within six hours.
To improve the identification of patients infected with the virus, Liow said a new set of guidelines would be issued to doctors on how to “increase the index of suspicion of patients with influenza A (H1N1)”.
On a doctor from the Malacca Hospital who has the virus, Liow said all doctors, as frontliners, must take the stipulated precautionary measures.
The spread of H1N1 virus could not be stopped and was inevitably in the community now and doctors for instance could also get infected outside their workplace, he added.
Liow said a meeting between ministries and all agencies involved would be held today to come up with more measures to curb the spread of the virus in the community.
In Putrajaya, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said 17 new cases were reported yesterday, which he described as sporadic or isolated.
He said seven of the new patients were treated at isolation wards, one at the intensive care unit while nine received outpatient treatment.
The total number of H1N1 cases reported in the country stands at 1,446.
Dr Ismail said 1,408 patients who contracted the flu had recovered and only 29 people were still being warded in hospital, adding that eight of them were warded in ICU as they were high-risk patients who were obese, pregnant and had low immunity.
In Ipoh, state Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said two new H1N1 cases were reported yesterday. They have recovered and were discharged from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital.
A(H1N1): Death toll rises to eight
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia reported two new influenza A (H1N1) deaths yesterday, bringing the total number of people who have succumbed to the disease to eight.
The seventh victim was a 24-year-old native woman who died at the Miri Hospital’s intensive care unit, two weeks after giving birth to her first child. She was the first A (H1N1) fatality in Sarawak.
The eighth victim was a 51-year-old school teacher who died in Seremban on Sunday, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
The Institute for Medical Research confirmed yesterday that the teacher had contracted the virus. Her tissue samples were tested after her death.
She had taught at a school in Selangor, which was closed on July 27 following the discovery of an A (H1N1) cluster there.
The onset of the disease began on July 23, and the teacher visited a general practitioner on July 27.
She went to the Sungai Buloh Hospital on July 30, and subsequently to the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban on Sunday after experiencing a shortness of breath. She was admitted to the intensive care unit where she died.
The native woman was warded on July 17. At the time, she was already in an advanced stage of pregnancy.
The hospital helped her deliver a baby girl a few days later. The baby is healthy and has been handed over to the father, a labourer in his late 20s.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the state had stepped up the alert level.
“Nobody can take this disease lightly any more,” he said yesterday.
The Miri Hospital has stopped children from entering the wards unless they are undergoing treatment.
The elderly are also discouraged from the wards, while smokers are barred altogether.
Hospital director Dr Uma Devi said the tighter safety measures were aimed at protecting those with a weak immune system.
The seventh victim was a 24-year-old native woman who died at the Miri Hospital’s intensive care unit, two weeks after giving birth to her first child. She was the first A (H1N1) fatality in Sarawak.
The eighth victim was a 51-year-old school teacher who died in Seremban on Sunday, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
The Institute for Medical Research confirmed yesterday that the teacher had contracted the virus. Her tissue samples were tested after her death.
She had taught at a school in Selangor, which was closed on July 27 following the discovery of an A (H1N1) cluster there.
The onset of the disease began on July 23, and the teacher visited a general practitioner on July 27.
She went to the Sungai Buloh Hospital on July 30, and subsequently to the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Seremban on Sunday after experiencing a shortness of breath. She was admitted to the intensive care unit where she died.
The native woman was warded on July 17. At the time, she was already in an advanced stage of pregnancy.
The hospital helped her deliver a baby girl a few days later. The baby is healthy and has been handed over to the father, a labourer in his late 20s.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the state had stepped up the alert level.
“Nobody can take this disease lightly any more,” he said yesterday.
The Miri Hospital has stopped children from entering the wards unless they are undergoing treatment.
The elderly are also discouraged from the wards, while smokers are barred altogether.
Hospital director Dr Uma Devi said the tighter safety measures were aimed at protecting those with a weak immune system.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Tests confirm 11-year-old boy is sixth A (H1N1) - related death
Star: PUTRAJAYA: An 11-year-old boy who died at 8.30 on Sunday in Johor Baru from an iflammation of the lung and heart was also found to have been infected by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, making him the six death in Malaysia related to the virus.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said was admitted into the Sultanah Aminah Johor Baru Hospital on July 29 with fever but showed no other signs of having the flu.
He was rushed into ICU on July 30 and confirmed to have the virus on Aug 1, Dr Ismail said in a statement on Sunday, adding that 39 cases of the flu were reported Sunday.
The boy's death follows the death of a 10-year-old in Perak on Friday whose post mortem tests revealed that she too had the flu, Bernama reported.
This made her the confirmed fifth death for the flu in the country.
Dr Ismail said tests on phlegm taken from the girl by the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) showed that the girl from Bagan Serai, Perak had the H1N1 virus.
"According to information received, the girl had been ill since July 27 but she did not suffer from any breathing problems when she received outpatient treatment at a private clinic," he said in a statement here Saturday night.
Dr Ismail said on the night of July 28, the girl had complained of breathing difficulties and received treatment at a Bagan Serai health clinic the next day and while receiving treatment, she was in stable condition and did not complain of breathing difficulties or cyanosis and was given outpatient treatment including antibiotics and cough medicine.
However, on Friday morning at 3am, she complained of breathing difficulties, fever and cough before arriving at the Bagan Serai Health Clinic for treatment but while receiving treatment, she passed out and was pronounced dead at 5.30am.
The post mortem done at the Alor Setar Hospital revealed that she had died of severe pneumonic changes.
He added that the girl's parents had also undergone tests and cleared of any disease while her five other siblings had slight breathing difficulties but were in stable condition.
Dr Mohd Ismail added that initial investigations revealed that there were no reports of Influenza Like Illness in the area, including the school where the girl was from but the district Health Department had been asked to monitor the situation closely.
Meanwhile, Bernama also reported that six institutions in Penang would resume classes on Monday after observing a weeklong shutdown due to the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.
State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the health authorities had monitored the situation closely and it was now under control.
"The six educational institutes out of 25 closed, will resume classes tomorrow while the other 19 institutions will remain closed due to cluster cases of H1N1 infection," he told Bernama on Sunday.
He also urged all institutions in the state to be on the alert for cluster cases and inform the medical centre or hospital for any suspected H1N1 cases.
As of 8am Sunday, the number of accumulated H1N1 cases recorded by the health ministry nationwide stood at 574 imported cases, 855 locally-transmitted, with a 98 percent recovery rate although six have died.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said was admitted into the Sultanah Aminah Johor Baru Hospital on July 29 with fever but showed no other signs of having the flu.
He was rushed into ICU on July 30 and confirmed to have the virus on Aug 1, Dr Ismail said in a statement on Sunday, adding that 39 cases of the flu were reported Sunday.
The boy's death follows the death of a 10-year-old in Perak on Friday whose post mortem tests revealed that she too had the flu, Bernama reported.
This made her the confirmed fifth death for the flu in the country.
Dr Ismail said tests on phlegm taken from the girl by the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) showed that the girl from Bagan Serai, Perak had the H1N1 virus.
"According to information received, the girl had been ill since July 27 but she did not suffer from any breathing problems when she received outpatient treatment at a private clinic," he said in a statement here Saturday night.
Dr Ismail said on the night of July 28, the girl had complained of breathing difficulties and received treatment at a Bagan Serai health clinic the next day and while receiving treatment, she was in stable condition and did not complain of breathing difficulties or cyanosis and was given outpatient treatment including antibiotics and cough medicine.
However, on Friday morning at 3am, she complained of breathing difficulties, fever and cough before arriving at the Bagan Serai Health Clinic for treatment but while receiving treatment, she passed out and was pronounced dead at 5.30am.
The post mortem done at the Alor Setar Hospital revealed that she had died of severe pneumonic changes.
He added that the girl's parents had also undergone tests and cleared of any disease while her five other siblings had slight breathing difficulties but were in stable condition.
Dr Mohd Ismail added that initial investigations revealed that there were no reports of Influenza Like Illness in the area, including the school where the girl was from but the district Health Department had been asked to monitor the situation closely.
Meanwhile, Bernama also reported that six institutions in Penang would resume classes on Monday after observing a weeklong shutdown due to the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.
State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the health authorities had monitored the situation closely and it was now under control.
"The six educational institutes out of 25 closed, will resume classes tomorrow while the other 19 institutions will remain closed due to cluster cases of H1N1 infection," he told Bernama on Sunday.
He also urged all institutions in the state to be on the alert for cluster cases and inform the medical centre or hospital for any suspected H1N1 cases.
As of 8am Sunday, the number of accumulated H1N1 cases recorded by the health ministry nationwide stood at 574 imported cases, 855 locally-transmitted, with a 98 percent recovery rate although six have died.
1,390 H1N1 cases now, 10-year-old could be death No 5
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Nineteen new influenza A (H1N1) cases were reported yesterday, bringing the total number in the country to 1,390. Authorities are also awaiting the post-mortem report of a 10-year-old from Bagan Serai, Kerian, to see if it was a H1N1-related death.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said there were no new confirmed influenza A (H1N1) admitted to intensive care yesterday and that one of the nine cases initially meant for intensive care yesterday had been transferred to an isolation ward.
The remaining eight cases in the intensive care units of hospitals included two obese persons, a pregnant woman and a patient with low immunity, he added.
In Perak, state health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the state now had 49 confirmed H1N1 cases, an increase of four since Friday.
The Teluk Rubiah National Camp in Lumut was also closed after some of its trainees showed flu-like symptoms, said Dr Mah, adding that they were waiting for confirmation on the Bagan Serai case.
The institutions that were closed on Friday are SJK (T) Simpang Lima with 12 suspected cases; SJK (T) St Mary and SK Wawasan Pekan Baru, all in Kerian, with 22 suspected cases in total; the Tegas Mesra National Service camp in Selama; and the Universiti Teknologi Petronas hostel in Seri Iskandar, Tronoh, with 192 suspected cases.
In Malacca, there were five new confirmed cases. The Malacca Hospital is still awaiting the test results of 20 suspected cases yesterday.
State health director Dr Ghazali Othman said the four of them are national service trainees from Camp Taboh Naning, while the other was from Kolej Yayasan Melaka.
He also said that the nine-year-old girl from Bachang, who was initially admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit on July 28, was in stable condition and recovering following treatment.
Since July 9, a total of 29 higher institutions, 11 secondary schools and one primary school were ordered to close temporarily.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said there were no new confirmed influenza A (H1N1) admitted to intensive care yesterday and that one of the nine cases initially meant for intensive care yesterday had been transferred to an isolation ward.
The remaining eight cases in the intensive care units of hospitals included two obese persons, a pregnant woman and a patient with low immunity, he added.
In Perak, state health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the state now had 49 confirmed H1N1 cases, an increase of four since Friday.
The Teluk Rubiah National Camp in Lumut was also closed after some of its trainees showed flu-like symptoms, said Dr Mah, adding that they were waiting for confirmation on the Bagan Serai case.
The institutions that were closed on Friday are SJK (T) Simpang Lima with 12 suspected cases; SJK (T) St Mary and SK Wawasan Pekan Baru, all in Kerian, with 22 suspected cases in total; the Tegas Mesra National Service camp in Selama; and the Universiti Teknologi Petronas hostel in Seri Iskandar, Tronoh, with 192 suspected cases.
In Malacca, there were five new confirmed cases. The Malacca Hospital is still awaiting the test results of 20 suspected cases yesterday.
State health director Dr Ghazali Othman said the four of them are national service trainees from Camp Taboh Naning, while the other was from Kolej Yayasan Melaka.
He also said that the nine-year-old girl from Bachang, who was initially admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit on July 28, was in stable condition and recovering following treatment.
Since July 9, a total of 29 higher institutions, 11 secondary schools and one primary school were ordered to close temporarily.
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