KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has given its assurance that there are no mutations of the influenza virus in the country.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said clinical samples taken from the regular influenza surveillance system and sent to the Institute for Medical Research and the National Public Health Laboratory in Sungai Buloh showed that there were no changes detected in the virus.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has an established network known as the global influenza surveillance and response system.
“This network receives samples from member states all over the world.
“If there is an instance of a mutated (novel) influenza virus detected in any of these samples, the member states will be alerted through the International Health Regulations 2005 platform. To date, we have not received any alert,” he told the New Sunday Times.
Dr Noor Hisham touched on the importance of vaccination against influenza. This, he said, was the most effective method of prevention and should be done annually, especially for children aged 6 months and above.
Another way to prevent the spread of the virus, he said, was to maintain a high level of hygiene.
“The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses.
“Influenza anti-viral drugs can be used to treat flu. Anti-viral treatment can reduce the risk of complications from influenza and is recommended for any patient confirmed or suspected to have influenza.
“The anti-viral treatment is most effective if it is started immediately after the onset of the illness.
“Studies found that it is most effective within 48 hours of illness onset.”
The ministry, he said, would strengthen the monitoring and alert mechanism through the influenza surveillance system in Malaysia.
He said they would work closely with WHO on the influenza surveillance and response.
“Besides the influenza surveillance system, we also monitor respiratory-associated outbreaks through the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre under the Health Ministry.”
KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital consultant paediatrician and neonatal specialist Dr Mohammad Iqbal Mohammad Sarwar said the number of influenza cases among both adults and children was higher than dengue cases at KPJ Healthcare Hospitals nationwide.
He said KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital recorded 1,222 influenza cases last year compared with 362 in 2017, while there were 353 dengue cases last year compared with 452 in 2017.
He believed the virus could mutate and advised parents to take their children for annual influenza vaccinations.
Children, he said, were susceptible due to their undeveloped immune system and parents were often unaware that there was a vaccination available.
Senior consultant paediatrician Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS said vaccination among children would only be 50 to 60 per cent effective. However, it would depend on the seasonal strain.
He reminded parents to get their children vaccinated yearly as well as maintain good hygiene to prevent viruses from spreading.
It was reported that eight Johor Darul Ta’zim football players were infected with influenza B, with one testing positive for influenza A.
The team’s football training centre in Padang Seri Gelam was disinfected.
In Negri Sembilan, 168 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were recorded from January until July 6 this year.
State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan said the cases were recorded in 15 clusters, an increase of five clusters, or 62.5 per cent, compared with the same period last year.
Seremban recorded the highest number of ILI cases with 37 in five clusters. Jempol recorded 98 cases in four clusters, Rembau recorded 16 cases in three clusters, Jelebu 14 cases in two clusters and Port Dickson three cases in one cluster.