The Ministry of Health has confirmed three new cases of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total in the country to 32 cases.

• The 30th case is a 51-year-old female. She developed symptoms on the 26 June 2009 and sought treatment the following day at the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, Kuala Belait.

• The 31st case is a 25-year-old female. She developed symptoms on the 28 June 2009 and sought treatment on the same day at the Department of Accident and Emergency, RIPAS Hospital.

• The 32nd case is a 9-year-old male, who is a close contact of case 30.

These three cases are undergoing treatment at the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital, Tutong and are recovering.

Meanwhile, four confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) previously reported, have recovered and subsequently discharged from the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital, Tutong. This brings the total number of patients that have recovered and been discharged to fourteen (14) patients.

The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public, that out of the 32 confirmed cases, a total number of 216 close contacts needed to be quarantined for 7 days. These contacts do not have symptoms. However, due to their exposure to the cases needs to be isolated and given tamiflu for preventive treatment. A majority of these contacts are quarantined in their own respective homes.

In safeguarding the public's safety, the Ministry of Health continues to advise the public, who have recently returned from affected countries like Australia, United States of America, Indonesia, Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and United Kingdom within the past 7 days to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms. For those with fever, avoid crowded places such as:

• Community gatherings

• Shopping centers

• Markets

• Stalls

• Restaurants

• Cinemas

• Swimming pools and the like