KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians who have just returned from abroad, especially from countries with temperate climate, are advised to seek immediate medical treatment if they show symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI).Director-general of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said yesterday this was because the spread of influenza A (H1N1) was reported to be active and on the rise in Central Europe and South Asia, with 99 per cent of the cases reported in countries in the northern hemisphere.

He said those planning to travel abroad were also advised to take preventive measures like avoiding congested areas and carrying the Influenza A (H1N1) kit, including hand sanitiser, at all times.

“They are also encouraged to take the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of infection which is also on the rise during winter in those countries,” he said in a statement here.

He also said that no deaths from Influenza A (H1 N1) were reported in the country last week, leaving the death toll at 77.

However, he said, 411 new patients were hospitalized for ILI last week, while 516 cases were discharged.

A total of 279 ILI cases were still undergoing treatment at 49 hospitals nationwide, including four private hospitals.

Of the total, only five cases were confirmed to be Influenza A (H1N1) cases, with three still receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Units (ICU), as at Dec 19.

Dr Mohd Ismail also reminded the public to continue taking preventive measures to protect themselves from the disease and keeping themselves updated by visiting the Health Ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.my or http://h1n1.moh.gov.my. — Bernama