Six moderate cases of H1N1 in Sabah

Kota Kinabalu: Six cases of Influenza A (H1N1) have been detected in Sabah with the latest in Penampang on Oct. 30, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin. However, she called on the public not to panic because the situation was actually under control. There were no deaths. Speaking after officiating at the Food Safety Campaign Carnival at Suria Sabah, Saturday, she said what was important was for the public to continue prioritising personal hygiene. As of Oct 31, she said four cases had been detected in Penampang and one each in Lahad Datu and the State Capital. As a comparison, she said there were 944 cases detected in Sabah in 2009, 144 in 2010 before dropping to 26 in 2011 and now six so far. "Even though the H1N1 virus is around it is not at an epidemic stage. These are isolated cases," she said. Her call was echoed by State Health Director, Datuk Dr Mohd Yusof Ibrahim. Confirming the case in Penampang last Tuesday, news of which went viral on Facebook, Dr Yusof said: "The H1N1 disease in Malaysia and Sabah is still in its mitigation phase. It could spread via contact and discharge from cough and sneezing. "The department assures the public that prevention and control measures are being taken to avoid its spread." Dr Yusof said the five cases comprised one each from the age of 1-4 year, 10-14 years, 15-19 years, 30-34 years and 35-39 years. These cases are receiving outpatient treatment in clinics except for one, who needs hospital treatment, he said. He said the department has outlined three prevention activities such as education session in high-risk areas having influenza-like illness, daily situation monitoring in hospitals and clinics and public announcements on control and prevention. The public announcement method covered nine areas such as social distancing - a one metre (3 feet) gap between one person to another and minimise all public ceremonies, good hygiene practice, the use of face masks like asthma patients; obese; pregnant woman; diabetics and chronic lung disease patients and others. Influenza A or H1N1 is a new strain of virus created by the reassortment of genetic viruses from pigs, birds and humans and was confirmed in 2009. The A(H1N1) virus, which causes the Influenza A, is a contagious sickness attached to the respiratory channel with a incubation period of one to seven days. Symptoms include influenza-like illness, fever, cough, sore throat, flu body ache and in some cases patients could experience diarrhoea and vomitting. The virus could be spread through liquid, surfaces and airborne contact.