27 NEW CASES OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1)
The Ministry of Health has confirmed 27 new cases of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total in the country to 93 cases. All these cases are still being investigated and undergoing treatment.
The Ministry of Health also confirms the death of a 12-year-old child early this morning. The patient had Auto-immune Hepatitis end stage liver failure and pneumonia and has been in critical condition since 26 June 2009. Laboratory tests confirmed that the patient was positive for Influenza A (H1N1). The Ministry of Health is investigating the background of the patients Influenza A (H1N1) infection.
Situation summary of cases as of today:
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Cases in different age groups:-
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58.4% of the reported cases are made up of people of ages 20 years and below
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36.4% of them are in between the ages of 20 and 40 years of age
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5.2% involves those above the age of 40
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A total number of 21 patients has been discharged from Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital, Tutong.
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Current epidemiological study shows the history of infection:-
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56% cases has travel history to other countries (ie. United Kingdom, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Johor, Lawas, Bintulu, Miri, Labuan, Singapore, Philippines and Laos)
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25.8% cases are through contact
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18.2% cases are not yet known and is still being investigated
In view of the increasing number of reported cases, the Ministry of Health would like to emphasize the importance of the public in adhering to the visiting regulations at all government hospitals:
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To only visit during the stipulated visiting hours.
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To limit 2 visitors for every patient.
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Not to bring children aged 12 years and below to visit patients at the hospital.
For those who have just returned from overseas or showing symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1), they are advised not to visit patients in the hospital.
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:
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Community gatherings
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Shopping centers
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Markets
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Stalls
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Restaurants
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Cinemas
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Swimming pools and the like
The public can help to prevent the spread of respiratory infections by maintaining good personal hygiene:
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Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and dry them using disposable tissue or the like
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Use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers if there are no hand washing facilities
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Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and discard used tissue in the dustbin
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Avoid from people who has influenza like symptoms
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Avoid from going to crowded places
For further enquiries and information, the public can contact the Healthline 145 during office hours and 8220991 during non-working hours.
