SITUATIONAL UPDATE INFLUENZA A (H1N1)

10 NEW CASES OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1)

The Ministry of Health has confirmed 10 new cases of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total in the country to 42 cases.

The 33^rd case is a 22-year-old female who just returned from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 34^th case is a 25-year-old female who just returned from Singapore.
The 35^th case is a 29-year-old female who just returned from the Philippines.
The 36^th case is a 14-year-old male
The 37^th case is a 22-year-old female
The 38^th case is a 38-year-old female
The 39^th case is a 15-year-old male
The 40^th case is a 9-year-old male
The 41^st case is a male
The 42^nd case is a 10-year-old female

All these cases, are still being investigated and undergoing treatment, and are in good condition.

The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public, that at present, out of the 42 confirmed cases, a total number of 233 close contacts, needed to be quarantined for 7 days. Out of the 233 close contacts, 38 are no longer in quarantine. These contacts do not have symptoms. However, due to their exposure to the cases, needs to be isolated and given tamiflu for preventive treatment. A majority of these contacts are quarantined in their own respective homes.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of the public’s social responsibility in preventing Influenza A (H1N1), therefore it is urged that the Government Departments, supermarkets, shopping centers, cinemas and the like to provide, disease prevention facilities for public use, especially hand washing facilities equipped with soap dispensers, along with gel/liquid sanitizers at all entry points.

In safeguarding the public’s safety, the Ministry of Health, continues to advise the public, who have recently returned from affected countries, within the past 7 days and having symptoms, to seek immediate medical attention. It is also advisable to reduce social activities and crowded places such as: