PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is awaiting the blood test results of two cases of flu-like symptoms reported in Cheras to ascertain if it is Influenza A (H1N1), said its Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam today.
This was following the circulation of a WhatsApp message since yesterday that a pre-school in Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Tasik in Bandar Seri Permaisuri had been temporarily closed due to an influenza outbreak among students.
"Blood tests have been taken from the students and we are waiting for the blood results to know if it is positive for Influenza A (H1N1)," he told reporters today after launching the Malaysian Health Data Warehouse (MyHDW).
He said the students have been advised to stay away from school until they recover and to always practice personal hygiene.
Dr Subramaniam also advised the public not to be alarmed of the spread of influenza-like virus.
"However, a certain group of people such as pregnant women and elderly people have to take extra precaution if they are down with flu-like symptoms.
"Doctors who are treating these patients must also know and identify the high risk groups and provide them with the right antiviral dose which are readily available in both private and government hospitals," he added.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the influenza is not epidemic and United Nations agencies are no longer heavily monitoring the spread of the virus, he added.
"This is because the method of infection, signs of infection, risks of infection and complications due to influenza A are similar to seasonal influenza," he said.
Dr Subramaniam also advised the public to practice hygiene and seek immediate treatment if down with fever or flu.