Published: Tuesday May 5, 2009 MYT 2:52:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday May 5, 2009 MYT 9:51:46 PM

All four patients cleared of influenza A (H1N1) -- Update 2

By AUDREY EDWARDS, SHARON LING and NG CHENG YEE

PUTRAJAYA: Test results show all four patients admitted into the isolation wards at two hospitals are free from the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

Three were admitted into the Sungai Buloh hospital, while another was admitted into the Sarawak General Hospital.

In statement last night, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the man who was treated in the isolation ward at the Sarawak General Hospital was not infected with the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

“The virology test conducted at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) at 8pm on May 5 confirms that the patient does not have the influenza A (H1N1) virus,” he said.

He added, based on information from the Sarawak General Hospital, the patient was recovering with the treatment that had been given.

So far, 20 flights and 8,749 passengers arriving at the KL International Airport had been screened.

At land entry points, he added, 91 passengers were screened while 461 who entered by sea entry points also undergone checks.

Dr Ismail said the ministry’s National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre had received 78 calls from the public; and the majority was concerned about their impending overseas trips.

Meanwhile, in Kuching, state health deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the man isolated at the Sarawak had recently visited United States and had complained of having fever.

He added the state Health Department was now monitoring the man’s friends and other people he had come into contact since his return.

A New Zealander who was recently warded in Penang Hospital for fever and body aches was tested negative for the virus while a woman who under a week-long home quarantine after being on the same flight as a Mexican man diagnosed with the virus in Hong Kong, has not shown any symptoms of the illness.

Influenza A (H1N1) FAQ