A H1N1

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by influenza virus type A that regularly causes the spread of influenza in pigs. Unfortunately, since 1988, human infections with swine flu have occurred and the latest identification of this flu has again occurred on the 24th April 2009. World Health Organisation (WHO) proclaimed the international health emergency crisis as a result of the wide spread of the swine flu Virus Influenza A (H1N1) which started in Mexico and United States (US). As at 26th June 2009, 108 countries have officially reported 56,730 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 239 deaths (Record obtained from WHO website). Total number of death and those who are infected are increasing from time to time and countries all over the world are very concerned over this epidemic.
Influenza viruses can be transmitted directly from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close contact to infected pigs. Human to human transmission of this flu virus can also occur through coughing or sneezing of people who are infected. Most evidence had shown that any type of flu virus can linger on any open and bare surfaces due to the exposure of the hands, mouth and nose. Centres for diseases control and prevention (CDC) confirmed that influenza H1N1 is very contagious and can easily be transmitted if people do not seriously take care of their hygiene. According to the CDC, a sneeze can travel 100 miles an hour, reaching 5 to 30 feet depending on the temperature. The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza that include high fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported to have runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

In Malaysia, the influenza A (H1N1) cases are still not at a critical level as stated in the latest statement was made by Ministry of Health (MOH) through all the local medias, although the number of positive cases are increasing from time to time, either through imported cases or from local transmission. Imported cases refer to those infected with H1N1 who came into Malaysia and transmit the virus to whoever that became in contact with them. Whereas, local transmissions refer to those who have no record of travelling to affected countries but having contact with those infected by this virus. On 13th June 2009, the WHO decided to raise the epidemic H1N1 to pandemic level Phase 6. WHO’s pandemic alert level Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus and not the severity of illness caused by the virus. Nevertheless, this means that all affected countries should seriously increase the level of prevention and take major precautions to protect themselves from this swine flu epidemic. Hence, MOH Malaysia had selected designated hospitals (Refer to APPENDIX A) to treat the infected cases with antivirus and their families have been placed under home quarantine. The total number of Influenza A(H1N1) patients as at 26th June 2009 are 40. They have responded well with the antivirus treatment without any complications. 65 patients have totally recovered and had been discharged from the hospital.