H1N1: Brunei edges closer to 100 mark

THE Ministry of Health might consider converting the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong to an isolation centre as early as last night, depending on the increase of Influenza A (H1N1) patients.

A total of 27 new confirmed cases of the infection was announced by the ministry yesterday, raising the total number of infections in the Sultanate to 93.

Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman said that, at the rate of current increase, the ministry would be hard pressed not to convert the entire hospital to cater only to Influenza A (H1N1) patients.

"Right now we are still ok, but if the figure continues to rise tonight, then we will have a problem," he said during a press conference at the Ministry of Health.

"We are running out of beds now and we have also made preparations for home treatment which is another option," he added.

Director-general of Medical Services Dr Hjh Norlila Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Jalil assured the public that if the Tutong hospital was required to be closed down, its existing services will still continue. Current patients will be relocated to prevent exposure to the infection.

To date, 21 patients have been released from the Tutong hospital after fully recovering from the virus.

Statistics showed that 58.4 per cent of infections in Brunei were of youths under the age of 20. Another 36.4 per cent were made up of those between 21 to 40 while 5.2 per cent involved those aged 41 and above.

Meanwhile, 56 per cent of these patients have had travel history to affected areas, whereas another 25.8 per cent were infected by means of close contact.

Some 18.2 per cent of the cases are still under investigation, however the minister speculated that there is a possibility of seven cases caused by community transmission.

In light of the recent rapid increase in number of cases, Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi urged the public to practise self-quarantine for at least seven days after returning to Brunei from any affected area.

They are also advised to reduce social activity and avoid crowded areas such as shopping malls, restaurants, swimming pools and other public areas. It is also essential to immediately report to health centres or hospitals if they develop any symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1).

Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi also reminded everyone to practise frequent handwashing with soap and water or disposable tissues with alcohol or disinfectants.

Proper cough and sneezing etiquette is also to be followed. This includes the covering of one's nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and to discard used tissues safely into rubbish bins.

Apart from visiting the ministry's website at www.moh.gov.bn, more information and updates on the pandemic can be obtained by contacting its healthline at 145 during office hours or calling 8220991 during non-working hours. - Melvin Jong

The Brunei Times