MANILA, 12 August 2009–The number of deaths in Malaysia associated with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 climbed to 38, after additional fatalities were announced by the Ministry of Health in that country. The number of deaths linked with the virus in the Western Pacific Region stands at 169.
The Ministry of Health in Malaysia announced that six additional deaths linked to the virus had occurred between 5 August and 9 August, and that four of these deaths were of people in a ‘high-risk” category. A further six deaths were announced by the Ministry of Health on 11 August.
Media outlets in Malaysia reported that, in response to a sharp increase in fatalities over recent days, Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced a public awareness campaign to educate people about the virus and advise them what to do if they become infected. The campaign will begin this week.
The Prime Minister also stated the government planned to make available enough antiviral medicine at hospitals and clinics nationwide to cover 20% of the nation’s population, media reports said. “The most effective measure is through public education,” he was quoted as saying.
Senior Malaysian health officials were quoted in media reports as urging the public to follow the new guidelines to help minimize spread of the virus. They advised people in high-risk categories to seek prompt medical treatment if they show symptoms of influenza-like illness.
On a two-day visit to Malaysia this week, Dr Shin Young-soo, the World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region, discussed the challenges posed by Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Malaysia with its Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, and other senior health officials. Dr Shin also discussed health-care finance issues, and visited a specialist hospital and a primary health care clinic.
People who may be at higher risk of serious disease from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 include those with immunosuppressive disorders such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, or chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. People with cardiac disease, diabetes, or chronic metabolic, renal, neurological, and blood conditions may also be at increased risk, along with pregnant women, the morbidly obese, and smokers.
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