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With all the bizarre news and statements that we read daily, especially with the imminent Hulu Selangor by-election, it is likely that many may not be aware that we could miss out on the latest development in the H1N1 threat.

The Malaysian Insider reported HERE that:

The Health Ministry has urged the people not to panic over the influenza-like illness (ILI) scare, instead they should be alert and take precautionary measures.

Health minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (picture) said although the number of ILI cases had increased, they were confined to Melaka, Selangor and Langkawi in Kedah.

Thirty-two students in Pahang were given outpatient treatment while in Selangor, 23 students are down with ILI, he said in a statement today.

He said only four students in Selangor were confirmed as influenza H1N1 patients, but they have since been discharged from hospitals.

In Kedah, he said 173 students were given outpatient treatment.

Until Monday, 118 new ILI patients were hospitalised while 65 more were discharged, reducing the number of patients to 507 in 47 government hospitals and 12 private hospitals.

Out of all the patients that were hospitalised, 36 are confirmed influenza H1N1 patients, added Liow.

According to the Malaysian Health Ministry, (original in BM but I translated it into English at THIS SITE):

On 6 April 2010, until 10.00 pm there were 7 Influenze-like Illness (ILI) clusters reported throughout the country. It has been reported in three states and all involve the following school:

1. Pahang -

* BC Science Week involving 32 students, all treated as outpatients.

2. Singapore -

* SJKC Han Ming, Batu 14, Puchong involving 12 school children, 4 of which were positive A (H1N1) and were treated in hospital and allowed to return.
* SM Sains Kuala Selangor, Selangor involving 15 school children treated as outpatients.

3. NSW -

* SJKC Chung Hwa, Kuah, Langkawi involving 46 school children and treated as outpatients.
* MRSM Langkawi involving 17 school children who were treated as outpatients.
* SMK Mahsuri, Langkawi involving 56 school children and all treated as outpatients.
* SRK Bayas, Langkawi involving 54 people and all were treated as outpatients.

Except for the cluster in SJKC Han Ming, the results of laboratory tests for the cluster-cluster at the top have not been received.

Until 5.30 pm on 5 April 2010, 118 new patients with symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) has been admitted to hospital for treatment, while 65 cases were discharged out. Inclusion in the number of current cases that are treated in the country amounted to 507 cases in 47 government hospitals and 12 private hospitals. Of these, 36 patients (7.1%) were cases of Influenza A (H1N1), which was confirmed by the laboratory. A total of four (4) cases of influenza A (H1N1) is treated in the ICU, two (2) in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, one (1) in Kelantan and one (1) in Selangor. No reports of death received yesterday.

Referring to the current situation, the influenza-like illness (ILI) activities have increased in the 3 states of Melaka, Selangor and Kedah. In Singapore, the ILI occurences are limited in Langkawi Island. Ministry of Health has instructed the Director of Health to improve health education and prevention activities, especially in schools and in places of public attention. ILI symptoms in the community must be investigated immediately and inform the operations room at the Ministry of Health on the same day. For public information, the Ministry of Health will issue a statement about the events of the cluster daily from today.

Once again urged the public not to panic, but be cautious and take care of personal hygiene. Although there have been cluster increases, these are still limited in certain areas. They have specifically requested the school management to re-activate preventive actions to be taken in accordance with guidelines issued earlier. Cooperation and advisory services available at all District Health Offices throughout the country.

Those who have symptoms of ILI must hasten to the nearest hospital or clinic. If not admitted, they must isolate themselves at home and not go to places of public attention. Always take care of ethics cough and close your mouth and nose even at home to prevent spread of infection to other family members. If these simple measures adopted by all parties, the spread of infection A (H1N1) will be contained, as was done previously. The Health Ministry would like to emphasize that the Institute of Medical Research continues to monitor the virus and see no signs of changes in the virus. Therefore, the preventive measures recommended earlier must have the cooperation of all parties is needed to curb transmission.

In addition, those with risk factors such as pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease, asthma and those who are obese should immediately seek vaccination A (H1N1) in 104 facilities throughout the State Ministry of Health. List of facilities are available on the website at: http://h1n1.moh.gov.my/klinikVaksin.php. You can also contact the Ministry of Health hotline at 03-88810200/0300 from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm daily.

Thank you.

Dato 'Liow Tiong Lai
Minister of Health

07 April 2010

This Australian website says that the second wave of the H1N1 is back. Do read it HERE. Ottawa spent Can$37 million in a H1N1 advert blitz.

THIS US website has an even more cautious approach:

The truth is that H1N1 cases are on the upswing in many states. This could be due to several factors, including the beginning of the predicted "third wave" of pandemic influenza. Or it could be the fact that influenza "smoulders," and we have a few little patches of fire that need to be put out.

One day, the third wave will occur. It might be the start now, or it could be later in 2010. Or it could be even in 2011. No one knows for certain. CLICK HERE to read this excellent article.

You can also get more information from THIS SITE.

So dear reader, please be on the alert! Stay safe and observe the usual precautionary measures. Take care and have a safe and healthy day!