Malaysia Flu Outbreak Worsens With Over 70 People In Penang & Selangor Infected
At least 53 people in Penang and 23 people in Selangor have been infected with influenza A as of today (10 Jan).
According to The Straits Times, stocks of flu shots are being depleted as the Malaysian flu outbreak worsens. Hospitals are also now turning away patients.
The Malaysian Health Ministry is advising patients get bed rest at home instead of hospitalisation.
Medication reserved for pregnant women, the elderly & children
Malaysian Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye told Free Malaysia Today (FMT),
They need good rest. They will recover. If we admit everyone at public hospitals, others may be infected, too.
The Minister has said that government hospitals have sufficient stock of anti-viral medications.
Private hospitals, on the other hand, may need to replenish their medication given the recent pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China.
They are, however, reserved mainly for pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people already suffering from other chronic conditions.
He added that these restrictions have always been in place to prevent abuse of medicines.
Those infected should stay home
The Malaysian Education Ministry has told parents with sick children to seek medical treatment instead of letting them go to school.
Meanwhile, Penang Education Department intends to combat the flu outbreak, and will be issuing face masks in schools.
Nothing to worry about
Despite news that private hospitals in the Klang Valley have run out of beds, Malaysia’s Director-General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah has said that the situation is within normal ranges.
He clarified that the influenza viruses were not mutations or new strains. Dr Lee also noted that the sudden demand for medication follows the outbreak in China, he told FMT.
Hospitals are also continuing to keep close watch on reported cases, and advise patients to seek treatment with them if their symptoms persist or worsen.
Don’t forget to drink lots of water too.
Featured image adapted from Malay Mail.
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