Malaysia Is Still Free Of Influenza A(H1N1)

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- All four cases reported to the Health Ministry's Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) regarding patients admitted to the Sungai Buloh Hospital in Selangor, were tested negative of influenza A(H1N1) virus, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Hj Mohd Ismail Merican said.

In a statement, he said, another patient admitted to the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital in Kota Baharu on Wednesday, was also tested negative of the virus.

"So far there are no influenza A(H1N1) cases detected in Malaysia," he said.

Dr Hj Mohd Ismail said that yesterday, 3,870 passengers arriving in 37 flights at the KL International Airport and Penang International Airport, 3,104 passengers arriving via land and 174 sea craft passengers were screened but none were referred to hospitals.

He said the ministry had also installed one thermal scan machine each at the Kuching and Senai airports.

Altogether nine machines had been installed in six entry points into the country, he added.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed Poland to be the 24th country affected by the pandemic.

The number of infection reported globally was 2,371, an increase of 478 cases from the previous day. There have been 44 deaths so far.

Mexico reported 1,112 cases with 42 deaths while the United States reported 896 cases with two deaths.

The countries reporting an increase in the number of cases are Canada, with 201 cases so far, Germany (10), Israel (6), the Netherlands (2), Poland (1), South Korea (3), Spain (81) and United Kingdom (32). No death reported in these countries.

WHO is maintaining its influenza pandemic warning at Level 5 but did not recommend any health, travel and trade prohibition or the closure of borders for any country.

-- BERNAMA