As of 4.00 pm today, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 23 more new cases of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total in the country to 124 cases. Of the total cases, 50 patients have completed their treatment whilst 186 close contacts have also completed their quarantine. Further investigations are on-going for the latest cases.

The Ministry of Health continues to remind the public that although Influenza A H1N1 are usually mild, it can become severe for patients with chronic diseases such as:

• Chronic lung diseases;
• Chronic heart diseases;
• Chronic kidney diseases;
• Chronic liver diseases;
• Chronic neurological diseases;
• Immunosuppression; and
• Diabetes Mellitus.

Thus, the public are also reminded to increase vigilance as:

• Influenza A (H1N1) is highly infectious and will cause illness among a large number of people and disrupt daily activities;
• There is a possibility of genetic mutation of the Influenza A (H1N1) to a more serious virus;
• There is still no available vaccine to prevent Influenza A H1N1 infection.

With the rapid increase in the number of cases reported, the Ministry of Health would like to emphasize the importance for the public adhering to visiting regulations at all government hospitals:

• To only visit during the stipulated visiting times.
• To limit 2 visitors per patient.
• Not to bring children aged 12 years and below to visit patients at the hospital.
• To use masks when visiting.

People who have just returned from affected countries are also advised not to visit patients in the hospitals in the first seven days of their return. Similar advice is also given to those showing symptoms of influenza.

IN COURTESY OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM