As of today, a total of 313 close contacts of Influenza A H1N1 have completed their quarantine period whilst 67 confirmed cases have completed treatment for the infection.

Meanwhile, as of 4pm today, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 22 new cases of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the total in the country to 164 cases. Of the 18 cases reported yesterday, 4 cases have travel history to neighbouring countries, 3 are local cases whilst investigations are still on-going for the remaining 11 cases.

With the start of the new school term today, the Ministry of Health reminds the public, especially parents and guardians to continuously monitor the health of their children and if possible, to check their body temperatures and health condition before sending them to school. For children with symptoms of Influenza A H1N1, parents and guardians are advised:

• Not to send the child to school.
• To immediately bring them to seek medical attention.
• Not to send them to extracurricular activities, extra classes or tuition classes.
• To keep them isolated from other family members and friends.
• Not to bring them to public places including shopping malls and recreational parks.
• Not to bring them to family gatherings and functions.
   

As Influenza A (H1N1) is highly infectious and can affect daily activities for those who are infected, the Ministry of Health also reminds the public to maintain good personal hygiene with:

• Frequent hand washing using soap and water and drying hands using disposable napkins or electrical hand dryer.
• Use of disposable tissue paper containing alcohol or antimicrobial gel in the absence of a hand washing facility.
• Covering nose and mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing and immediately throw the tissue paper away in the rubbish bin.
• Avoiding being with people who have symptoms of influenza.
• Avoiding going to crowded places.