Star: PETALING JAYA: No cases of the new severe strain of the Influenza A(H1N1) have been reported in the country but the Health Ministry is taking no chances.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry and Medical Research Institute (IMR) were monitoring the situation closely after the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed the new form of the virus.
“Until now, what we have is still (the original strain of) H1N1,” he said.
The WHO reported that the new form of the virus went straight to the lungs and caused more severe illness, even in healthy people.
Liow said his ministry was expecting a detailed report from WHO describing the new form of the A(H1N1) as well as samples for the ministry’s task force to test and track with.
“Our special task force will be monitoring this closely and getting regular reports from WHO,” he told The Star yesterday.
He said the report of a stronger form of the pandemic virus was of some concern as it came on the heels of WHO’s warning that the winter season in many countries was likely to usher in a second wave of infections that was expected to have greater impact than the first which started in May.
“That’s why WHO warned us on the second wave. It is more deadly if the new form can directly attack the lungs.
“We will have to give early warnings and alert people on the new characteristics of the virus. Treatment must be strengthened,” he added.
Meanwhile, a 49-year-old unemployed man who died of severe pneumonia in the Malacca Hospital became the latest victim of the influenza A(H1N1), bringing the total number of deaths due to the flu in the country to 72.
The man was admitted to the hospital on Aug 13 with fever, coughs and vomiting and was immediately given anti-viral drugs and antibiotics but his condition continued to worsen despite being tested negative for tuberculosis, typhoid, dengue and leptospira infection and died on Aug 19.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Meerican, in a statement, said post-mortem biopsy report, based on lung samples, tested positive for influenza A (H1N1) on Aug 24.This is the first reported death since last Wednesday when a 24-year-old woman, who died on Aug 19, was confirmed to be the 71st victim by the Health Ministry mortality review committee.
Meanwhile, as of 9am yesterday, 202 new patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) have been admitted to hospitals for treatment, while 285 had been discharged, said Dr Ismail.
This has brought the total to 1,515 ILI patients being treated in 97 hospitals including five private hospitals.
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
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
WHO finds Malaysians have low understanding and poor knowledge of A (H1N1)
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that Malaysians have low understanding and poor knowledge on the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1).
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the WHO report he received on Thursday showed the public did not take H1N1 seriously, leading to an increase in cases.
He said of the four campaigns, that on the wearing of nose and mouth masks, personal hygiene, use of sanitisers and hand cleaning, only the wearing of masks had given the public the most awareness.
"Public awareness on measures to check the spread of H1N1 is still low, despite the many campaigns held from May to Aug.
This includes high-risk groups.
"It seems that public response and awareness is still lukewarm. We cannot afford to be complacent," he told reporters after launching the "Let's Stop H1N1" campaign organised by MCA here on Saturday.
The report was filed by three WHO experts who were here to monitor the pandemic, including publicity campaigns and public response.
Liow said the ministry would continue to hold campaigns to raise public awareness via forums, talks and exhibitions with the support of the mass media, political parties and non-governmental organisations.
However, he was satisfied with the Government's proactive measures to check the spread of the virus.
"WHO knows that we have a sensitive and capable system that can trace and detect A (H1N1) patients fast. We are able to track and treat them early.
"Although the death rate in Malaysia is quite high, it is still within the WHO limit."
Malaysia has registered 71 deaths from H1N1.
He said WHO proposed that more beds be made available at intensive care units (ICU) in hospitals to accommodate high-risk patients.
"WHO's proposal will be implemented in hospitals as the number of H1N1 patients have increased."
Liow urged public transport operators to place sanitisers at terminals and distribute masks to passengers during the Hari Raya festive season to check the spread of the virus.
"The sanitisers will show passengers that the operators have high awareness of the virus," he said.
On public fears of a second wave of the A (H1N1) at year-end, that could claim more lives, Liow said hospitals had adequate supply of Tamiflu, the antiviral drug used to treat patients.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the WHO report he received on Thursday showed the public did not take H1N1 seriously, leading to an increase in cases.
He said of the four campaigns, that on the wearing of nose and mouth masks, personal hygiene, use of sanitisers and hand cleaning, only the wearing of masks had given the public the most awareness.
"Public awareness on measures to check the spread of H1N1 is still low, despite the many campaigns held from May to Aug.
This includes high-risk groups.
"It seems that public response and awareness is still lukewarm. We cannot afford to be complacent," he told reporters after launching the "Let's Stop H1N1" campaign organised by MCA here on Saturday.
The report was filed by three WHO experts who were here to monitor the pandemic, including publicity campaigns and public response.
Liow said the ministry would continue to hold campaigns to raise public awareness via forums, talks and exhibitions with the support of the mass media, political parties and non-governmental organisations.
However, he was satisfied with the Government's proactive measures to check the spread of the virus.
"WHO knows that we have a sensitive and capable system that can trace and detect A (H1N1) patients fast. We are able to track and treat them early.
"Although the death rate in Malaysia is quite high, it is still within the WHO limit."
Malaysia has registered 71 deaths from H1N1.
He said WHO proposed that more beds be made available at intensive care units (ICU) in hospitals to accommodate high-risk patients.
"WHO's proposal will be implemented in hospitals as the number of H1N1 patients have increased."
Liow urged public transport operators to place sanitisers at terminals and distribute masks to passengers during the Hari Raya festive season to check the spread of the virus.
"The sanitisers will show passengers that the operators have high awareness of the virus," he said.
On public fears of a second wave of the A (H1N1) at year-end, that could claim more lives, Liow said hospitals had adequate supply of Tamiflu, the antiviral drug used to treat patients.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Liow: Provide flu feedback
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Private clinics must now fill feedback forms issued by the Health Ministry whenever they treat patients with Influenza A(H1N1).
The completed forms must be sent back to the ministry daily to ensure cases of the virus were reported accurately and quickly, said minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
“The forms were given to the hospitals and clinics to help update the Government so that we can monitor the situation at the grassroots-level and ensure patients are given quick treatment,” he said after a dialogue session with various private medical associations here yesterday.
Liow said the ministry had given the private medical industry clear guidelines on treating patients suspected of having the pandemic virus.
“We stressed to the private sector that quick and proper treatment is needed for H1N1 and they fully understand this need,” he said.
At the dialogue session were representatives from the Malaysian Medical Association, Malaysian Private Hospitals Association, Primary Care Doctors Organisation Malaysia and Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Association Malaysia.
It has been reported that private medical practitioners were unclear on the guidelines set by the ministry, which they had claimed were varied and conflicting.
Liow said the associations were issued with flowcharts that detailed the treatment and procedures to be given to the patients according to the risk levels involved.
He explained that due to lack of facilities, private clinics must immediately refer all patients with moderate to high risk – to either private or government hospitals for further treatment.
This was to prevent late treatment of patients, a factor the Government had blamed as one of the reasons for the deaths related to the pandemic.
On the prices of anti-viral drugs, he said the ministry was also negotiating with local manufacturers to put a cap on prices.
“I assured the associations that there is enough supply of anti-viral drugs in the market. The ministry will intervene to lower the price of the anti-viral drugs,” he said.
He said although the market price was between RM120 and RM160 per unit, several companies were now selling it at RM80.
Liow also said a World Health Organisation monitoring team had indicated that Malaysia’s pandemic surveillance was “active and sensitive”.
“The organisation concurred our classification system was good to track the H1N1. We’ll continue to be vigilant,” he said.
Meanwhile, no new A(H1N1) deaths were registered yesterday, leaving the death toll at 71, with 259 confirmed cases.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said of the figure, 53 were in the Intensive Care Unit.
Forty-one were risk factor cases like those with chronic illnesses, obesity, children or babies, pregnant women, new mothers and Down Syndrome.
The completed forms must be sent back to the ministry daily to ensure cases of the virus were reported accurately and quickly, said minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
“The forms were given to the hospitals and clinics to help update the Government so that we can monitor the situation at the grassroots-level and ensure patients are given quick treatment,” he said after a dialogue session with various private medical associations here yesterday.
Liow said the ministry had given the private medical industry clear guidelines on treating patients suspected of having the pandemic virus.
“We stressed to the private sector that quick and proper treatment is needed for H1N1 and they fully understand this need,” he said.
At the dialogue session were representatives from the Malaysian Medical Association, Malaysian Private Hospitals Association, Primary Care Doctors Organisation Malaysia and Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Association Malaysia.
It has been reported that private medical practitioners were unclear on the guidelines set by the ministry, which they had claimed were varied and conflicting.
Liow said the associations were issued with flowcharts that detailed the treatment and procedures to be given to the patients according to the risk levels involved.
He explained that due to lack of facilities, private clinics must immediately refer all patients with moderate to high risk – to either private or government hospitals for further treatment.
This was to prevent late treatment of patients, a factor the Government had blamed as one of the reasons for the deaths related to the pandemic.
On the prices of anti-viral drugs, he said the ministry was also negotiating with local manufacturers to put a cap on prices.
“I assured the associations that there is enough supply of anti-viral drugs in the market. The ministry will intervene to lower the price of the anti-viral drugs,” he said.
He said although the market price was between RM120 and RM160 per unit, several companies were now selling it at RM80.
Liow also said a World Health Organisation monitoring team had indicated that Malaysia’s pandemic surveillance was “active and sensitive”.
“The organisation concurred our classification system was good to track the H1N1. We’ll continue to be vigilant,” he said.
Meanwhile, no new A(H1N1) deaths were registered yesterday, leaving the death toll at 71, with 259 confirmed cases.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said of the figure, 53 were in the Intensive Care Unit.
Forty-one were risk factor cases like those with chronic illnesses, obesity, children or babies, pregnant women, new mothers and Down Syndrome.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Private health practitioners will discuss ways to handle A(H1N1) cases
Star: PUTRAJAYA: Private doctors will be meeting with Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and ministry officials today to discuss how to handle A(H1N1) cases.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said, “We hope to get a good turnout from the doctors so that they can have a frank and open discussion with the minister. Everyone must play their part to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Dr Ismail said parents should also limit the number of outings involving children, especially to public and crowded places to prevent them from being exposed to the flu.
“We cannot emphasise enough how important it is for the public to be responsible for their own well-being by practising good personal hygiene and social distancing if they are unwell,” he added.
He also announced that a 24-year-old woman who died on Aug 19 has been confirmed as the 71st A(H1N1) fatality in the country.
Dr Ismail said the woman’s death was confirmed by the mortality review committee yesterday.
As of yesterday, 324 new patients were warded in hospitals for influenza-like illness (ILI).
The woman, he said, was an obese person who had suffered from fever, cough and headache on Aug 8 and was warded in a private hospital in Kuantan on Aug 10.
“She was given viral pneumonitis treatment and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit two days later when her condition worsened. The patient was given anti-viral treatment on the same day,” he said.
Dr Ismail said that on Aug 17, the laboratory test came back positive for A(H1N1) but the patient died on Aug 19 and the cause of death was A(H1N1) with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
He said the accumulative figure of those being treated for ILI nationwide was 1,446, adding that the actual number of patients being treated for A(H1N1) totalled at 217.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said, “We hope to get a good turnout from the doctors so that they can have a frank and open discussion with the minister. Everyone must play their part to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Dr Ismail said parents should also limit the number of outings involving children, especially to public and crowded places to prevent them from being exposed to the flu.
“We cannot emphasise enough how important it is for the public to be responsible for their own well-being by practising good personal hygiene and social distancing if they are unwell,” he added.
He also announced that a 24-year-old woman who died on Aug 19 has been confirmed as the 71st A(H1N1) fatality in the country.
Dr Ismail said the woman’s death was confirmed by the mortality review committee yesterday.
As of yesterday, 324 new patients were warded in hospitals for influenza-like illness (ILI).
The woman, he said, was an obese person who had suffered from fever, cough and headache on Aug 8 and was warded in a private hospital in Kuantan on Aug 10.
“She was given viral pneumonitis treatment and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit two days later when her condition worsened. The patient was given anti-viral treatment on the same day,” he said.
Dr Ismail said that on Aug 17, the laboratory test came back positive for A(H1N1) but the patient died on Aug 19 and the cause of death was A(H1N1) with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
He said the accumulative figure of those being treated for ILI nationwide was 1,446, adding that the actual number of patients being treated for A(H1N1) totalled at 217.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
H1N1: Toddler is victim number 70
Star: PETALING JAYA: A three-year-old child has died of the influenza A(H1N1) virus, bringing the total number of deaths to 70.
As at 9am yesterday, 52 new patients had been admitted for influenza-like illness, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
The child’s death, he said, had been confirmed by the Mortality Review Committee.
“On Aug 12, the child sought early treatment in the hospital after experiencing seizure and cough for two days.
“The child was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and was given Tamiflu treatment after the patient’s condition deteriorated on Aug 13,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The child had tested positive for H1N1 on Aug 17.
However, the child died on Aug 18 due to H1N1 encephalitis with cerebral oedema and multiple organ failure, he said.
Dr Ismail said 1,345 patients with influenza-like illness were seeking treatment at 82 hospitals including a private hospital nationwide.
Of that, 202 patients (15%) had tested positive for H1N1.
“Of the 202 cases, 42 are in ICU and 38 cases (95%) had risk factors such as chronic disease (15 cases), obesity (nine cases), diabetes (six cases), children or babies (three), pregnant or postnatal (three) and Down Syndrome (two cases),” he added.
Dr Ismail also said that 152 patients with influenza-like illness had been discharged.
He advised parents to monitor the movement of their children during the ongoing school holidays to ensure they stayed away from crowded places.
“It is important to ensure that children are not exposed to infections,” he added.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai is scheduled to have a dialogue on the handling of influenza-like illness with private medical practitioners on Aug 27.
In Terengganu, State Health, Unity and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Dr A. Mokhtar told the state assembly that there were 895 cases of H1N1 in the state since the outbreak two months ago but no deaths had been reported there.
As at 9am yesterday, 52 new patients had been admitted for influenza-like illness, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
The child’s death, he said, had been confirmed by the Mortality Review Committee.
“On Aug 12, the child sought early treatment in the hospital after experiencing seizure and cough for two days.
“The child was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and was given Tamiflu treatment after the patient’s condition deteriorated on Aug 13,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The child had tested positive for H1N1 on Aug 17.
However, the child died on Aug 18 due to H1N1 encephalitis with cerebral oedema and multiple organ failure, he said.
Dr Ismail said 1,345 patients with influenza-like illness were seeking treatment at 82 hospitals including a private hospital nationwide.
Of that, 202 patients (15%) had tested positive for H1N1.
“Of the 202 cases, 42 are in ICU and 38 cases (95%) had risk factors such as chronic disease (15 cases), obesity (nine cases), diabetes (six cases), children or babies (three), pregnant or postnatal (three) and Down Syndrome (two cases),” he added.
Dr Ismail also said that 152 patients with influenza-like illness had been discharged.
He advised parents to monitor the movement of their children during the ongoing school holidays to ensure they stayed away from crowded places.
“It is important to ensure that children are not exposed to infections,” he added.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai is scheduled to have a dialogue on the handling of influenza-like illness with private medical practitioners on Aug 27.
In Terengganu, State Health, Unity and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Dr A. Mokhtar told the state assembly that there were 895 cases of H1N1 in the state since the outbreak two months ago but no deaths had been reported there.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sarawak to have its own flu-testing laboratory
Star: KUCHING: Sarawak, which has seen a three-fold increase in the number of patients being admitted for influenza-like illness, is setting up a flu-test laboratory.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the laboratory at the Sarawak General Hospital here was expected to be operational by the middle of next month. Samples are now sent to Sabah for testing.
Speaking after a meeting on the pandemic at the state Health Department here yesterday, Dr Chan said the number of patients admitted to government hospitals for Influenza A(H1N1) rose dramatically to 38 on Friday from just 12 on Aug 10.
Three pregnant women were among six who had died from the flu in the state.
He said there was also a sharp increase in the number of outpatients with influenza-like illness at government clinics.
“Influenza-like illness represented about 0.5% of total outpatient attendances in mid-July. But the figure has now increased to 5.5%.
“I am not sure when the rising trend will peak,” he said.
Dr Chan said government hospitals in the state had been instructed to reduce elective or non-emergency surgeries.
The move was to reserve medical equipment, like ventilators, to treat H1N1 patients, he said.
Dr Chan said a makeshift “isolation ward” had to be erected under a tree in a car park of the Sri Aman Hospital to treat H1N1 patients due to inadequate facilities at the hospital.
Dr Chan said the health department had set up fever clinics at the Sarawak General Hospital and Sibu Hospital to reduce crowding at the accident and emergency department.
He added that the state Natural Resources Environment Board had been directed to buy one million pieces of surgical masks for distribution to schools and others.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the laboratory at the Sarawak General Hospital here was expected to be operational by the middle of next month. Samples are now sent to Sabah for testing.
Speaking after a meeting on the pandemic at the state Health Department here yesterday, Dr Chan said the number of patients admitted to government hospitals for Influenza A(H1N1) rose dramatically to 38 on Friday from just 12 on Aug 10.
Three pregnant women were among six who had died from the flu in the state.
He said there was also a sharp increase in the number of outpatients with influenza-like illness at government clinics.
“Influenza-like illness represented about 0.5% of total outpatient attendances in mid-July. But the figure has now increased to 5.5%.
“I am not sure when the rising trend will peak,” he said.
Dr Chan said government hospitals in the state had been instructed to reduce elective or non-emergency surgeries.
The move was to reserve medical equipment, like ventilators, to treat H1N1 patients, he said.
Dr Chan said a makeshift “isolation ward” had to be erected under a tree in a car park of the Sri Aman Hospital to treat H1N1 patients due to inadequate facilities at the hospital.
Dr Chan said the health department had set up fever clinics at the Sarawak General Hospital and Sibu Hospital to reduce crowding at the accident and emergency department.
He added that the state Natural Resources Environment Board had been directed to buy one million pieces of surgical masks for distribution to schools and others.
Use hand sanitisers to prevent spread of virus, says Liow
Star: BUKIT MERTAJAM: The public is strongly encouraged to use hand sanitisers to prevent the transmission of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said many people touched food and faces soon after touching tables, doorknobs, switches or even shaking hands with others.
“The public must regularly wash their hands with water and soap or clean them using hand sanitisers.
“This is one way to keep personal hygiene at a high level to avoid being infected with the A (H1N1) virus,” he said when opening the Influenza A(H1N1) prevention campaign at the Bukit Indera Muda rural clinic in Permatang Pasir yesterday.
Liow said apart from being air-borne, bacteria and viruses could be transmitted via the hands which could easily get dirty from touching objects.
People should ideally wash their hands with soap for 15 to 20 seconds, or with alcohol-based hand sanitisers, he said, adding that they should avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth, especially before washing hands.
Liow said there were 380 new cases reported yesterday, bringing the total in the country to 5,876 cases to date. There were no deaths reported yesterday.
“There are 1,556 patients still warded in 98 hospitals nationwide of whom 220 have been confirmed as having the virus,” Liow said.
He encouraged Permatang Pasir residents to come out and vote on Tuesday as necessary precautionary measures have been taken, including the opening of help desks by the ministry in all nine polling stations.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said many people touched food and faces soon after touching tables, doorknobs, switches or even shaking hands with others.
“The public must regularly wash their hands with water and soap or clean them using hand sanitisers.
“This is one way to keep personal hygiene at a high level to avoid being infected with the A (H1N1) virus,” he said when opening the Influenza A(H1N1) prevention campaign at the Bukit Indera Muda rural clinic in Permatang Pasir yesterday.
Liow said apart from being air-borne, bacteria and viruses could be transmitted via the hands which could easily get dirty from touching objects.
People should ideally wash their hands with soap for 15 to 20 seconds, or with alcohol-based hand sanitisers, he said, adding that they should avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth, especially before washing hands.
Liow said there were 380 new cases reported yesterday, bringing the total in the country to 5,876 cases to date. There were no deaths reported yesterday.
“There are 1,556 patients still warded in 98 hospitals nationwide of whom 220 have been confirmed as having the virus,” Liow said.
He encouraged Permatang Pasir residents to come out and vote on Tuesday as necessary precautionary measures have been taken, including the opening of help desks by the ministry in all nine polling stations.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Liow: Treat all patients with influenza
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Private hospitals refusing to treat patients with influenza-like illnesses will be dealt with severely, warned Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said the ministry could issue summons to such hospitals as provided for under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
“I am the Health Minister for both private and government hospitals and I have given a ministerial directive (to treat patients with ILI). Under this directive, there is no such thing as private hospitals refusing treatment to these patients,” he said after launching the Influenza A (H1N1) Care Clinic here yesterday.
Liow said the ministry was checking on deaths due to late treatment of patients at private hospitals that have been provided with anti-viral drugs.
“Private hospitals can also send throat swab samples for testing at government hospitals. This will be free-of-charge. Just treat the patients,” he urged, adding that the first batch of flu vaccine consisting of 400,000 doses would arrive in mid-October and the second batch in January.
Earlier, after launching a stem cell research and therapy seminar at Ampang Hospital, Liow said government clinics would be opened on weekends to treat flu patients to reduce congestion at public hospitals.
The clinics in Selangor will be open from 8am to 8pm while other state health directors will decide for clinics in their respective states.
Public hospital doctors will be deployed to the clinics for assistance when needed, he added.
He also urged parents to donate their baby’s umbilical cord blood at government hospitals as at least 10,000 samples are needed to find the right match for patients in need.
The country only had about 3,000 samples now, he said, adding that the government had launched four guidelines for the public and private sectors to regulate research into stem cell research and therapy.
He said the ministry could issue summons to such hospitals as provided for under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
“I am the Health Minister for both private and government hospitals and I have given a ministerial directive (to treat patients with ILI). Under this directive, there is no such thing as private hospitals refusing treatment to these patients,” he said after launching the Influenza A (H1N1) Care Clinic here yesterday.
Liow said the ministry was checking on deaths due to late treatment of patients at private hospitals that have been provided with anti-viral drugs.
“Private hospitals can also send throat swab samples for testing at government hospitals. This will be free-of-charge. Just treat the patients,” he urged, adding that the first batch of flu vaccine consisting of 400,000 doses would arrive in mid-October and the second batch in January.
Earlier, after launching a stem cell research and therapy seminar at Ampang Hospital, Liow said government clinics would be opened on weekends to treat flu patients to reduce congestion at public hospitals.
The clinics in Selangor will be open from 8am to 8pm while other state health directors will decide for clinics in their respective states.
Public hospital doctors will be deployed to the clinics for assistance when needed, he added.
He also urged parents to donate their baby’s umbilical cord blood at government hospitals as at least 10,000 samples are needed to find the right match for patients in need.
The country only had about 3,000 samples now, he said, adding that the government had launched four guidelines for the public and private sectors to regulate research into stem cell research and therapy.
569 new A(H1N1) infections
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The highest number of Influenza A(H1N1) cases in a day has been recorded with 569 infections.
One more death was also reported yesterday bringing the total number of fatalities to 68.
The latest victim was a 33-year-old woman who was 34 weeks pregnant. Her unborn baby also did not survive.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the woman was admitted to a private hospital in Johor Baru on Aug 8 after developing fever and cough for a day.
Five days later she was referred to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital when she experienced breathing difficulties and was given Tamiflu, he said, adding that she died on Aug 13 from severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.
After opening the Influenza Care Clinic Campaign on prevention and treating the A(H1N1), Liow said 1,533 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) were admitted to 104 hospitals from which 195 tested positive for the virus and 35 patients are in the intensive care units.
He said 20 of those in intensive care had risk factors such as diabetes, chronic diseases, asthma, pregnancy and obesity. A total of 188 people have been discharged from hospitals, he said, adding that up to yesterday, there were 5,496 confirmed cases in the country.
Liow said that the number of cases did not reflect the true situation as it only showed cases that were confirmed by laboratory tests and those that were admitted to hospitals.
The World Health Organisation has stated that for every confirmed case, there are 20 other undetected cases in the community.
Liow added that 80% of deaths due to the virus were among the high-risk groups.
During the Care Campaign, 85 private clinics in the country will sell a box of 10 FluHalt (Oseltamivir Phosphate) capsules manufactured by Ranbaxy Malaysia at RM80, instead of the usual price of RM180.
Participating clinics can be identified with the sign ‘Klinik Cegah dan Rawat Influenza A(H1N1)’ on the door.
One more death was also reported yesterday bringing the total number of fatalities to 68.
The latest victim was a 33-year-old woman who was 34 weeks pregnant. Her unborn baby also did not survive.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the woman was admitted to a private hospital in Johor Baru on Aug 8 after developing fever and cough for a day.
Five days later she was referred to the Sultanah Aminah Hospital when she experienced breathing difficulties and was given Tamiflu, he said, adding that she died on Aug 13 from severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.
After opening the Influenza Care Clinic Campaign on prevention and treating the A(H1N1), Liow said 1,533 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) were admitted to 104 hospitals from which 195 tested positive for the virus and 35 patients are in the intensive care units.
He said 20 of those in intensive care had risk factors such as diabetes, chronic diseases, asthma, pregnancy and obesity. A total of 188 people have been discharged from hospitals, he said, adding that up to yesterday, there were 5,496 confirmed cases in the country.
Liow said that the number of cases did not reflect the true situation as it only showed cases that were confirmed by laboratory tests and those that were admitted to hospitals.
The World Health Organisation has stated that for every confirmed case, there are 20 other undetected cases in the community.
Liow added that 80% of deaths due to the virus were among the high-risk groups.
During the Care Campaign, 85 private clinics in the country will sell a box of 10 FluHalt (Oseltamivir Phosphate) capsules manufactured by Ranbaxy Malaysia at RM80, instead of the usual price of RM180.
Participating clinics can be identified with the sign ‘Klinik Cegah dan Rawat Influenza A(H1N1)’ on the door.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
‘Avoid public places’ advice for those with flu symptoms
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: People with symptoms of flu have been advised to stay away from public places as the Health Ministry reported 257 new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) over the last 24 hours up to 8am yesterday.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said people with symptoms of flu should avoid going to public places such as shopping malls and avoid using public transportation.
“The Health Ministry has found that many people suffering from influenza A(H1N1) were not co-operating to contain the spread of the disease,” Dr Mohd Ismail said in a statement.
No deaths were reported in the 24 hours up to 8am yesterday. Of the 257 new cases reported, 36 were under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals, and 21 of these cases had been classified as being in the risk category.
These are patients who were pregnant or in the post-delivery period, suffering from diabetes, chronic ailments, asthma, obese or being special children.
Dr Mohd Ismail said people with a mild flu could spread the virus to others when they coughed or sneezed.
”As such, those with flu symptoms should remain at home and not visit public places, offices or schools until they have recovered,” he said.
Dr Mohd Ismail advised members of the public to keep themselves updated by surfing the special H1N1 website, h1n1.moh.gov.my, or contacting the hotlines at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said people with symptoms of flu should avoid going to public places such as shopping malls and avoid using public transportation.
“The Health Ministry has found that many people suffering from influenza A(H1N1) were not co-operating to contain the spread of the disease,” Dr Mohd Ismail said in a statement.
No deaths were reported in the 24 hours up to 8am yesterday. Of the 257 new cases reported, 36 were under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals, and 21 of these cases had been classified as being in the risk category.
These are patients who were pregnant or in the post-delivery period, suffering from diabetes, chronic ailments, asthma, obese or being special children.
Dr Mohd Ismail said people with a mild flu could spread the virus to others when they coughed or sneezed.
”As such, those with flu symptoms should remain at home and not visit public places, offices or schools until they have recovered,” he said.
Dr Mohd Ismail advised members of the public to keep themselves updated by surfing the special H1N1 website, h1n1.moh.gov.my, or contacting the hotlines at 03-8881 0200 or 03-8881 0300.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Expert: Case fatality rate not that high
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Influenza A (H1N1) deaths in Malaysia may be higher than that of our neighbours, but the case fatality rate (the number of people with confirmed H1N1 who died) is not remarkably high.
Dr Christopher Lee, consultant physician and head of infectious diseases at Sungai Buloh Hospital, said this is especially when one considers the World Health Organisation estimation that 15-20 cases go unreported for every case of A (H1N1) confirmed.
Dr Lee also said that of the total confirmed Malaysian A (H1N1) deaths, adults made up approximately 70% of the cases (45 out of 67).
While 80% of the adults who died had underlying medical conditions, 20% did not.
As such, all persons with flu are reminded to monitor their condition closely and seek treatment if their symptoms worsen, even if they do not fall in a high-risk group, Dr Lee said at a media briefing at the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday.
Based on US data, Dr Lee said the age group most likely to contract A (H1N1) flu was five to 24.
It was not necessarily because this group was more physiologically susceptible, but because this group was more socially mobile and likely to be exposed to the infection.
However, the age groups most likely to experience flu complications requiring hospitalisation were the very young (below five, especially those below two) and the very old (over 65), as normally seen with seasonal influenza, he explained.
Meanwhile, three more deaths due to A (H1N1) were reported yesterday, taking the total to 67.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said all the deaths involved those in the high-risk group, including a 33-year-old woman. The second victim was a girl aged 10 while the third was an elderly person aged 71.
Separately, NS Training Council chairman Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe said the 85 national service camps would not be closed because the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus was still under control.
Dr Christopher Lee, consultant physician and head of infectious diseases at Sungai Buloh Hospital, said this is especially when one considers the World Health Organisation estimation that 15-20 cases go unreported for every case of A (H1N1) confirmed.
Dr Lee also said that of the total confirmed Malaysian A (H1N1) deaths, adults made up approximately 70% of the cases (45 out of 67).
While 80% of the adults who died had underlying medical conditions, 20% did not.
As such, all persons with flu are reminded to monitor their condition closely and seek treatment if their symptoms worsen, even if they do not fall in a high-risk group, Dr Lee said at a media briefing at the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday.
Based on US data, Dr Lee said the age group most likely to contract A (H1N1) flu was five to 24.
It was not necessarily because this group was more physiologically susceptible, but because this group was more socially mobile and likely to be exposed to the infection.
However, the age groups most likely to experience flu complications requiring hospitalisation were the very young (below five, especially those below two) and the very old (over 65), as normally seen with seasonal influenza, he explained.
Meanwhile, three more deaths due to A (H1N1) were reported yesterday, taking the total to 67.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said all the deaths involved those in the high-risk group, including a 33-year-old woman. The second victim was a girl aged 10 while the third was an elderly person aged 71.
Separately, NS Training Council chairman Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe said the 85 national service camps would not be closed because the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus was still under control.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Face masks now a price-controlled item
Star: BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Government will control the retail price of surgical masks sold at exorbitant rates while the Health Ministry vows stricter enforcement against people who fail to wear masks if they have flu-like illnesses.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Government would make the single-pry surgical mask as a price-controlled item indefinitely during the current Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.
He said the item only costs 30 sen each but some people were selling it for RM5 per piece because of the pandemic.
“Selling surgical masks at exorbitant prices during a pandemic is like mencekik darah (squeezing blood from customers),” he said.
“Under the Price Control Act 1946, we can include face mask as a price-controlled item in the context of a health emergency,” he told newsmen at the Permatang Pasir by-election nomination centre here yesterday.
Muhyiddin said the ruling would be imposed on producers, distributors and retailers of masks, adding that they should also ensure there were adequate supply of masks.
He said he would direct Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to have the item gazetted, adding that the necessary licences would be issued to the distributors.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said “it is mandatory for those suffering from influenza-like illnesses to wear face mask and if they don’t, we would take stern action against them under the Disease Control Act 1988”.
“We want the people to practise personal hygiene to reduce the spread of the flu,” said Liow, who was at the Youth Skills Development Institute here yesterday.
He said two more deaths from the flu were recorded yesterday – a seven-month-old baby and a 74-year-old woman, bringing the death toll to 64. There are 4,225 cases reported so far.
“To date, we have 284 patients still warded in hospital, of which 33 are in the intensive care unit, including 17 who are from the high-risk group – people who are obese or with chronic asthma, diabetes and undergoing post-natal recovery,” he added.
Later in Kuala Lumpur, Liow said the Government would declare a national curfew to slow down the spread of Influenza A(H1N1) if the patients’ mortality rate exceed 0.4% based on 20 times of the current confirmed cases, according to World Health Organisation guidelines.
He said the current rate was hovering between 0.1% and 0.4%, adding that the Government was treating the situation as a health emergency situation due to persistent community transmissions.
“We have taken various steps to ensure the situation can be controlled well,” he said after opening the Asia Healthcare Conference 2009 yesterday.
Liow added that a health emergency meant that there was “dynamic and persistent” community transmissions between 200 and 400 reports of confirmed cases a day.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) has called on pharmacies and other traders to sell surgical masks with minimal profit or at cost price as a national service to fight the spread of Influenza A(H1N1).
“The normal price would cost around 50 sen but the price has shot up to RM3 to RM4 each due to great demand,” said its secretary-general, Muhammad Shaani Abdullah.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Government would make the single-pry surgical mask as a price-controlled item indefinitely during the current Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.
He said the item only costs 30 sen each but some people were selling it for RM5 per piece because of the pandemic.
“Selling surgical masks at exorbitant prices during a pandemic is like mencekik darah (squeezing blood from customers),” he said.
“Under the Price Control Act 1946, we can include face mask as a price-controlled item in the context of a health emergency,” he told newsmen at the Permatang Pasir by-election nomination centre here yesterday.
Muhyiddin said the ruling would be imposed on producers, distributors and retailers of masks, adding that they should also ensure there were adequate supply of masks.
He said he would direct Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to have the item gazetted, adding that the necessary licences would be issued to the distributors.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said “it is mandatory for those suffering from influenza-like illnesses to wear face mask and if they don’t, we would take stern action against them under the Disease Control Act 1988”.
“We want the people to practise personal hygiene to reduce the spread of the flu,” said Liow, who was at the Youth Skills Development Institute here yesterday.
He said two more deaths from the flu were recorded yesterday – a seven-month-old baby and a 74-year-old woman, bringing the death toll to 64. There are 4,225 cases reported so far.
“To date, we have 284 patients still warded in hospital, of which 33 are in the intensive care unit, including 17 who are from the high-risk group – people who are obese or with chronic asthma, diabetes and undergoing post-natal recovery,” he added.
Later in Kuala Lumpur, Liow said the Government would declare a national curfew to slow down the spread of Influenza A(H1N1) if the patients’ mortality rate exceed 0.4% based on 20 times of the current confirmed cases, according to World Health Organisation guidelines.
He said the current rate was hovering between 0.1% and 0.4%, adding that the Government was treating the situation as a health emergency situation due to persistent community transmissions.
“We have taken various steps to ensure the situation can be controlled well,” he said after opening the Asia Healthcare Conference 2009 yesterday.
Liow added that a health emergency meant that there was “dynamic and persistent” community transmissions between 200 and 400 reports of confirmed cases a day.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) has called on pharmacies and other traders to sell surgical masks with minimal profit or at cost price as a national service to fight the spread of Influenza A(H1N1).
“The normal price would cost around 50 sen but the price has shot up to RM3 to RM4 each due to great demand,” said its secretary-general, Muhammad Shaani Abdullah.
Ministry to hire more private docs
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry wants to hire more private doctors to work in government hospitals to supplement the 50% shortage of medical officers and specialists in the country.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the ministry would ensure private doctors were given deserving salaries and promised that their admission into public hospitals would take as fast as two weeks.
“The private doctors can work based on contract or sessions. They can work two weeks in a private hospital and spend the rest of the month in a government hospital. It would be like putting one leg in the public hospital and the other in a private hospital,” he said.
Dr Ismail was speaking to the press after delivering his keynote address on “Building A Safety Culture Through Accountability” at the 8th Ministry of Health Malaysia – Academy of Medicine of Malaysia Scientific Meeting 2009 at the Institute for Health Management here yesterday.
He said the ministry had started advertising since last week to rope in more private medical practitioners.
“In private hospitals, doctors are highly qualified but do not get extensive experience while government hospitals have too many cases but lack skilled medical officers. Therefore, we want to integrate both sides so that patients may get optimum treatment,” he added.
Dr Ismail said the ministry had received complaints from doctors who wanted to join public hospitals but waited up to a year for their applications to be processed.
“But now the ministry wants to adopt a friendly approach and we welcome anyone interested to join us,” he said, adding that the ministry also wanted to retain skilled public hospital doctors even if they were aged over 65.
He revealed that there were currently a total of 25,000 doctors in the country but the health sector still lacked manpower in every department, especially for positions such as anaesthetists, physicians and surgeons.
Those interested to work in public hospitals can download the application form from www.moh.gov.my
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the ministry would ensure private doctors were given deserving salaries and promised that their admission into public hospitals would take as fast as two weeks.
“The private doctors can work based on contract or sessions. They can work two weeks in a private hospital and spend the rest of the month in a government hospital. It would be like putting one leg in the public hospital and the other in a private hospital,” he said.
Dr Ismail was speaking to the press after delivering his keynote address on “Building A Safety Culture Through Accountability” at the 8th Ministry of Health Malaysia – Academy of Medicine of Malaysia Scientific Meeting 2009 at the Institute for Health Management here yesterday.
He said the ministry had started advertising since last week to rope in more private medical practitioners.
“In private hospitals, doctors are highly qualified but do not get extensive experience while government hospitals have too many cases but lack skilled medical officers. Therefore, we want to integrate both sides so that patients may get optimum treatment,” he added.
Dr Ismail said the ministry had received complaints from doctors who wanted to join public hospitals but waited up to a year for their applications to be processed.
“But now the ministry wants to adopt a friendly approach and we welcome anyone interested to join us,” he said, adding that the ministry also wanted to retain skilled public hospital doctors even if they were aged over 65.
He revealed that there were currently a total of 25,000 doctors in the country but the health sector still lacked manpower in every department, especially for positions such as anaesthetists, physicians and surgeons.
Those interested to work in public hospitals can download the application form from www.moh.gov.my
Monday, August 17, 2009
Latest batch of A (H1N1) cases brings death toll to 62
Star: SERDANG: Three more deaths have been reported from the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, bringing the overall death toll to 62.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said there were delays in administering patients with anti-viral treatment in two of the three deaths.
“The ministry will check on why there was a delay,” he said yesterday.
The delay involved a three-year-old boy who was admitted on Aug 1 for fever, cough and dyspnea for five days where he received anti-viral treatment beginning Aug 3 but died last Friday due to severe pneumonia, he said.
The other case was a 50-year-old man warded on Aug 3 with cough, fever, dyspnea, vomitting and diarrohea, he said.
He had influenza-like symptoms since July 28 and anti-viral drugs were given on Aug 4 but he died last Friday due to septicemia and pneumonia, Liow said.
In the third case, a six-year-old Down Syndrome boy suffered from congenital heart problem despite being given anti-viral treatment on the same day he was admitted to hospital on Aug 9 for cough, fever and dyspnea.
He died on Aug 13 due to severe pneumonia with underlying problems and complications.
Speaking after launching a healthy lifestyle campaign here, Liow said there were 283 new cases of infection, bringing the tally up to 3,857 cases.
Thirty-three patients remained in the intensive care unit and out of the number, 16 had co-morbid conditions and chronic diseases while 213 were hospitalised in normal wards, he said.
He urged the public to practise social distancing when they have influenza-like symptoms.
The ministry could apply the Disease Control Act to fine those who knowingly infect others up to RM10,000 or jail up to two years, he said.
On private doctors recently saying that they were reluctant to stock up much anti-virals because the ministry’s guidelines were inconsistent, and that they would prescribe the drug on a case-to-case basis, Liow said the guidelines were clear.
On private doctors complaining about the high prices and the lack of stock of the drugs, he said the Government would talk to the supplier with the hope that they could reduce the price and make it available to everyone.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said there were delays in administering patients with anti-viral treatment in two of the three deaths.
“The ministry will check on why there was a delay,” he said yesterday.
The delay involved a three-year-old boy who was admitted on Aug 1 for fever, cough and dyspnea for five days where he received anti-viral treatment beginning Aug 3 but died last Friday due to severe pneumonia, he said.
The other case was a 50-year-old man warded on Aug 3 with cough, fever, dyspnea, vomitting and diarrohea, he said.
He had influenza-like symptoms since July 28 and anti-viral drugs were given on Aug 4 but he died last Friday due to septicemia and pneumonia, Liow said.
In the third case, a six-year-old Down Syndrome boy suffered from congenital heart problem despite being given anti-viral treatment on the same day he was admitted to hospital on Aug 9 for cough, fever and dyspnea.
He died on Aug 13 due to severe pneumonia with underlying problems and complications.
Speaking after launching a healthy lifestyle campaign here, Liow said there were 283 new cases of infection, bringing the tally up to 3,857 cases.
Thirty-three patients remained in the intensive care unit and out of the number, 16 had co-morbid conditions and chronic diseases while 213 were hospitalised in normal wards, he said.
He urged the public to practise social distancing when they have influenza-like symptoms.
The ministry could apply the Disease Control Act to fine those who knowingly infect others up to RM10,000 or jail up to two years, he said.
On private doctors recently saying that they were reluctant to stock up much anti-virals because the ministry’s guidelines were inconsistent, and that they would prescribe the drug on a case-to-case basis, Liow said the guidelines were clear.
On private doctors complaining about the high prices and the lack of stock of the drugs, he said the Government would talk to the supplier with the hope that they could reduce the price and make it available to everyone.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Three more H1N1 deaths reported, says Ismail
Star: PETALING JAYA: Three more deaths from influenza A (H1N1) have been reported and all of them were among the high-risk group, said Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican.
The first was a 22-year-old man, who was obese, and the second was a 29-year-old man who suffered from valvular heart disease.
The third fatality was a 44-year-old woman with a history of asthma, who died of pneumonia.
The 22-year-old man died of viral pneumonia while the cause of death for the 29-year-old man was severe bronchopneumonia.
Dr Ismail said people with mild influenza symptoms were still visiting shopping complexes, travelling, working, going to school or taking public transports.
“The ministry found that many of them did not wear masks and those who did were healthy,” he said, urging those with influenza symptoms to stay home until they recovered.
Dr Ismail said antiviral treatment would only be given to three groups – those with influenza-like illnesses and showed risk factors, those with high fever (more than 38 degrees Celcius) for more than two days and those who tested positive for the virus.
“We want to clarify that the vaccine for influenza A is still not available yet while the one available in the market is for seasonal flu,” he said.
The first was a 22-year-old man, who was obese, and the second was a 29-year-old man who suffered from valvular heart disease.
The third fatality was a 44-year-old woman with a history of asthma, who died of pneumonia.
The 22-year-old man died of viral pneumonia while the cause of death for the 29-year-old man was severe bronchopneumonia.
Dr Ismail said people with mild influenza symptoms were still visiting shopping complexes, travelling, working, going to school or taking public transports.
“The ministry found that many of them did not wear masks and those who did were healthy,” he said, urging those with influenza symptoms to stay home until they recovered.
Dr Ismail said antiviral treatment would only be given to three groups – those with influenza-like illnesses and showed risk factors, those with high fever (more than 38 degrees Celcius) for more than two days and those who tested positive for the virus.
“We want to clarify that the vaccine for influenza A is still not available yet while the one available in the market is for seasonal flu,” he said.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Too many confusing messages
NST: PUTRAJAYA: There are too many mixed messages and misinformation about influenza A (H1N1) and this is confusing the people, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday.
The minister called on the media not to carry stories and advice, such as not to give Tamiflu to children and not engage in masturbation and homosexual activities, to avoid being infected by the virus.
"There is too much conflicting advice and misinformation in the media and this has caused panic and confusion among the people," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
He urged Malaysians to listen only to instructions from the ministry as they were in line with the guidelines given by the World Health Organisation.
"We also have our own infectious disease experts who continuously update us."
He said if the people adhered strictly to the ministry's advice, they could avoid getting infected by the virus.
Liow said the ministry had received numerous calls from the public over contradictory statements issued by some doctors, including those who practise traditional and complementary medicine.
He said there must be consistency in the message given to public so as to avoid confusion.
Another 450 new confirmed cases and five deaths had been reported over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 3,365 cases and 56 deaths.
The latest victims were two 2-month-old babies, a 57-year-old diabetic, a 49-year-old diabetic who was also obese and a 19-year-old youth who had no risk factors.
Liow said 72 patients had been hospitalised, including 27 in intensive care.
The minister called on the media not to carry stories and advice, such as not to give Tamiflu to children and not engage in masturbation and homosexual activities, to avoid being infected by the virus.
"There is too much conflicting advice and misinformation in the media and this has caused panic and confusion among the people," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
He urged Malaysians to listen only to instructions from the ministry as they were in line with the guidelines given by the World Health Organisation.
"We also have our own infectious disease experts who continuously update us."
He said if the people adhered strictly to the ministry's advice, they could avoid getting infected by the virus.
Liow said the ministry had received numerous calls from the public over contradictory statements issued by some doctors, including those who practise traditional and complementary medicine.
He said there must be consistency in the message given to public so as to avoid confusion.
Another 450 new confirmed cases and five deaths had been reported over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 3,365 cases and 56 deaths.
The latest victims were two 2-month-old babies, a 57-year-old diabetic, a 49-year-old diabetic who was also obese and a 19-year-old youth who had no risk factors.
Liow said 72 patients had been hospitalised, including 27 in intensive care.
Clinics not keen on stocking up Tamiflu
Star: PETALING JAYA: Private clinics are hesitant to stock up on the A (H1N1) anti-viral drug, Tamiflu, due to its high cost and inconsistent guidelines from the Health Ministry.
According to a survey carried out by The Star among 12 private clinics here, eight did not have the supply and did not intend to place orders with suppliers.
“The Government is inconsistent in giving guidelines regarding the prescription of drugs,” said a doctor in Jalan Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur.
Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai directed all public and private hospitals to administer immediate treatment to patients with flu-like symptoms and with high fever that persisted for more than 48 hours.
Prescription should be made based on the doctor’s discretion and on a case-by-case basis, said the doctor who did not want to be named.
“If we indeed follow the latest guidelines, the supply will run out soon. It will be harder for us to restock, as there is a limited supply nationwide,” he said.
Most of the nation’s supply had been taken up by government hospitals, said another private medical practitioner in Cheras who wished to remain anonymous.
“The Government is not releasing sufficient quantities of the drug to private hospitals. We are left on our own to source for the drugs.
“On the ground, there is no supply at all for private clinics,” he said.
He added that the Government should focus on preventive measures rather than the cure, as the virus can build up resistance to the drug over time.
“The Government is not making people, especially school and college students, wear masks,” he said.
Another doctor from Bukit Sentosa said that maintaining the standard of hygiene was more important.
He said he had observed a shortage while sourcing the drug for his clinic.
“I have not seen genuine Tamiflu made by Roche in Malaysia. What we have are generic drugs,” he said, adding that he was not adhering strictly to the ministry’s guidelines.
“I only prescribe to confirmed cases.”
Some cited the drug’s high price, ranging between RM140 and RM220 for 10 tablets, as a leading factor in deterring them from purchasing it.
“The loss would be too high to bear if nobody buys the drug,” said Dr Raman Nathan of Klinik Sentosa at Taman Putra Ampang.
According to a survey carried out by The Star among 12 private clinics here, eight did not have the supply and did not intend to place orders with suppliers.
“The Government is inconsistent in giving guidelines regarding the prescription of drugs,” said a doctor in Jalan Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur.
Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai directed all public and private hospitals to administer immediate treatment to patients with flu-like symptoms and with high fever that persisted for more than 48 hours.
Prescription should be made based on the doctor’s discretion and on a case-by-case basis, said the doctor who did not want to be named.
“If we indeed follow the latest guidelines, the supply will run out soon. It will be harder for us to restock, as there is a limited supply nationwide,” he said.
Most of the nation’s supply had been taken up by government hospitals, said another private medical practitioner in Cheras who wished to remain anonymous.
“The Government is not releasing sufficient quantities of the drug to private hospitals. We are left on our own to source for the drugs.
“On the ground, there is no supply at all for private clinics,” he said.
He added that the Government should focus on preventive measures rather than the cure, as the virus can build up resistance to the drug over time.
“The Government is not making people, especially school and college students, wear masks,” he said.
Another doctor from Bukit Sentosa said that maintaining the standard of hygiene was more important.
He said he had observed a shortage while sourcing the drug for his clinic.
“I have not seen genuine Tamiflu made by Roche in Malaysia. What we have are generic drugs,” he said, adding that he was not adhering strictly to the ministry’s guidelines.
“I only prescribe to confirmed cases.”
Some cited the drug’s high price, ranging between RM140 and RM220 for 10 tablets, as a leading factor in deterring them from purchasing it.
“The loss would be too high to bear if nobody buys the drug,” said Dr Raman Nathan of Klinik Sentosa at Taman Putra Ampang.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Anti-viral drugs at early stage of the flu
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.
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.
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.
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