| Sarawak Plan To Face Possible Second Wave Of H1N1 |
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KUCHING, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Sarawak has a preparedness plan in place to face a possible second wave of the Influenza A (H1N1), Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said Tuesday.
He said the Influenza A (H1N1) situation in Sarawak was under control with five deaths recorded since the outbreak.
However, following reports that the flu had resurfaced in countries in the northern hemisphere, the Sarawak Health Department had in place the Second Wave Preparedness Plan to prevent the state from being hit by the second wave.
"The long-term plan aims to avoid mortality cases, reduce the transmission rate, ensure continuous health services and also prevent transmission of the disease among health officers," he said during question time in the state assembly here today.
In Sarawak, 716 confirmed cases were recorded in the state, of which Kuching had the highest number at 240, followed by Miri (90), Sibu (83), Betong (68), Samarahan (55), Limbang (40), Sarikei (39), Bintulu (38) Sri Aman (32), Kapit (23) and Mukah (seven).
Wong also said that due to limited stock, the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine - Oseltamivir or Zanamivir - would be distributed to the frontlines starting this month.
"The vaccine will not be available for the public for the time being due to supply shortage," he said.
In reply to a supplementary question, by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa), Wong said the state government would look into the congestion and inadequate facilities at the Sri Aman Hospital near here.
"We are aware of the congestion problem at the Sri Aman Hospital. However it cannot be overcome overnight," he said.
A makeshift "isolation ward" had to be erected under a tree in a car park of the hospital to treat Influenza A (H1N1) patients due to the congestion at the hospital.
-- BERNAMA
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