Published: Wednesday March 10, 2010 MYT 7:35:00 PM

A(H1N1): Five ILI clusters in the country

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA: Five clusters of influenza-like-illness (ILI), one an orang asli (aboriginal people) village in Rompin, Pahang were reported last week, said health authorities.

Twelve orang asli from Kampung Gadak Dalam were confirmed to have been infected with Influenza A(H1N1) while 11 trainees attached to the National Service camp in Chini, Pekan were also found to have contracted the disease.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the three other ILI clusters were at SM Rasau Kerteh 05 in Dungun, Terengganu involving four students, SK Mak Lagam in Kemaman (four students) and SM Imtiaz in Kuala Berang, also in Terengganu.

“However, the five students in SM Imtiaz tested negative for A(H1N1).

Based on our observation and from results of the clinical tests conducted, there are no signs of the second wave of the disease.

“Nevertheless, the public should not let their guard down because Malaysia is still susceptible to the disease. The reported cluster cases shows that Influenza A(H1N1) is still active,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

Dr Ismail reminded those in the high risk group to get themselves vaccinated, adding the public should also play their part by reporting to health authorities any cluster cases of ILI.

He said those who show signs of having the flu, such as fever, cough and sore throat, should immediately seek medical attention and isolate themselves from the rest of their family.

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