A (H1N1) / Swine Flu Is Now A Serious Threat

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says the Influenza A(H1N1) has become a serious threat to the nation and advised the people not to attend gatherings in public places.

Influenza A(H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).

In June 2009, World Health Organization declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called "swine flu" by the public media.

According to news reports, now, all government hospitals, clinics and 22 private hospitals nationwide will be supplied with Tamiflu anti-viral medication. Private clinics can obtain its supply of the drugs from the relevant pharmaceutical suppliers.

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Facemask prices are now price controlled. They are sold at 7 sen each for 1ply, 20 sen each for 2ply, 80 sen each for 3ply and RM6 each for N95.

The Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry urged the public to report those traders who are over-charging for facemasks by calling the ministry's toll free line at 1800-886-800 or going personally to its nearest office.

Errant traders or suppliers face a fine of up to RM15,000 or a maximum of 2 years in jail or both upon conviction under the Price Control Act 1946.

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