Main image via The Straits Times , Malay Mail
The public’s fear for viruses is growing by the day, especially with the new SARS-like pneumonia virus outbreak in China and two polio cases in Sabah. Penang and Johor are now facing their own virus.
89 schoolchildren have been reported to be infected by influenza all over Johor, with 56 cases in Johor Baru, 15 in Kulai, six in Tangkak, five in Kluang, Five in Muar and one in Batu Pahat and Pontian respectively.
Image via The Star
Pre-school, primary and secondary children are among those affected by the influenza, but there will be no class or school closure so far.
"Schools are operating as usual. When there are one or two cases, the school’s standard operating procedure applies, which means cleansing the classroom with disinfectant,” said Johor Education Department director Azman Adnan.
Image via The Straits Times
62 people have also reportedly been infected with influenza or influenza-like illness in Penang, with a total of 15 individuals hospitalized but in stable condition.
Image via Malay Mail
More than 50 students also came down with influenza in 24 primary and secondary schools in Penang and are being monitored.
Image via The Star
The total amount of infected people is probably more as influenza is a common infection and not subjected to mandatory reporting and notification.
Influenza is a contagious virus and can cause death if spread to the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. The symptoms include fever, headache, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, sneezing and more.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the virus is not linked in any way to the current pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China and people are advised to take influenza vaccines at hospitals or private health facilities.
Make sure you try to avoid public places that are crowded and wash your hands more often. Stay safe everyone!
Info via The Star , Malay Mail
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