Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian authorities are
concerned that all the fresh 16 cases of swine flu reported in
the last 24 hours have been locally transmitted, and fear that
the haze around parts of the country might worsen the
situation.
Health director-general Ismail Merican said 16 new
locally transmitted cases were reported over the last 24 hours
due to swine flu.
Ismail also warned the public against taking anti-viral
medication as it can lead to resistance to the drugs as
reported in some countries.
The total number of swine flu cases reported in Malaysia
are 1,476.
Of the 1,476 cases reported, 1,413 have recovered while
10 are in ICU and 28 receiving treatment in isolation wards,
the minister said.
Authorities have said the worsening haze condition
complicated "an already very difficult situation".
"Polluted air can result in an increase of respiratory
ailments - a situation which will cause the victims to be more
vulnerable in the event of a fatal H1N1 virus attack.
"The H1N1 virus attacks the lung-cells directly. It then
causes serious pneumonia. Those with respiratory ailments have
weaker immune systems and the attack can be more serious," an
official said.
Bureau Report
