It is a great relief that there has been no single case of fatality from A (H1N1) flu pandemic in the past 24 hours after a meteoric rise in the past week, totaling cumulative death toll of 67 as of yesterday in a matter four weeks since the first case of fatality.
The question remains however how Malaysia has swiftly joined the world’s top eight countries with the highest death toll from A (H1N1) flu pandemic in less than a month, chalking up a cumulative death toll of 67 after United States (482 fatalities), Argentina (404), Brazil (379), Mexico (163), Australia (118), Chile (112), Thailand (97) and tying with Canada (67) for eighth place?
In a matter of four days, the cumulative death toll in Malaysia had increased by eight fatalities, moving it up from world’s ninth placing with 59 deaths to eighth placing with 67 fatalities, while in other countries the mortality rates have stopped or slowed considerably, like Chile which had registered 105 deaths last weekend, with Thailand remaining static at 97 while Canada had increased by one fatality during this period.
Unless the momentum of this cumulative death toll is stopped or reduced drastically, Malaysia is set to overtake Canada, and might even overtake Thailand and Chile in terms of the total A (H1N1) mortality cases.
This world-beater role is one Malaysia must not achieve.
It was only in yesterday’s press that the Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced a national health emergency due to the pandemic, with him toying with the possibility of a health curfew if the mortality rate goes above 0.4 per cent. The country was told that the mortality rate for A(H1N1) flu is currently between 0.1 per cent and 0.4 per cent.
Today, however, Malaysians are told a different version with the idea of a health curfew pooh-poohed by the Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr. Ismail Merican who said that the A(H1N1) mortality rate in the country at present is only 0.007 per cent.
How can be there such a vast difference in the estimates of A(H1N1) mortality rate between the Health Minister and Health Director-General, a difference of some 400 to 700 per cent between Ismail’s 0.007 per cent and that Liow’s 0.1 to 0.4 per cent.
What are the figures that Ismail and Liow are using to arrive at these vast differences in estimates about the A(H1N1) mortality rates, which should be made public, as it is such mixed signals and confusion emanating from the highest Health Ministry quarters which are undermining confidence in the efficacy and professionalism of the national campaign against A(H1N1) flu pandemic.
#1 by the reds on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 5:03 pm
Another illusionist, Dr. Ismail under 1Malaysia!
#2 by Bobster on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 5:15 pm
Even Jabatan Kesihatan lost count of number of fatalities.
Rakyat are very curious how they cook up the figure 0.1 and 0.007%?!
Simple Primary 1 calculation 67/5000(assume 5000 even the ministry cannot tell how many got infected) x 100% = 1.34% fatality.
How LTL and Merican passed the Primary 1?!
Next thing they will say, ‘oh those deaths not contributed by H1N1, due to old age and other complication, blah blah’.
Tat’s the result of putting politicians with no relevant experience as ministers.
Only good in cooking up figures.
Malaysia Standard, Malaysia Boleh!
#3 by SpeakUp on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 5:18 pm
Malaysia must be No. 1 … Malaysia Boleh!!!
#4 by OrangRojak on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 5:40 pm
One of us needs to get a new calculator.
#5 by homeblogger on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 5:48 pm
Maybe the calculators Liow and Dr. Merican using are the same ones they use in PKFZ.
#6 by drngsc on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 5:49 pm
I am very surprised that you all refuse to see the facts. Kit, this will blow in your face and make you lose credibility.
By the way, the first death was not 4 weeks ago. It was nearer three months ago.
Thailand just reported a total of 111 deaths ( announced in Bernama ). Many countries dont even bother to report the number of cases anymore, because, it is so inaccurate.
There is no national crisis. What Dr Christopher Lee said yesterday is accurate and correct. Please do not try to create panic. Why are you trying to do that.
#7 by yhsiew on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 5:54 pm
People’s indifference towards keeping a clean environment and taking precaution against the disease could be the cause of the high mortality rate.
Some may think 67 out of 4,000 odd cases are only a “drop in the ocean” and there is nothing to worry about.
#8 by BoycottLocalPapers on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 6:19 pm
We should be proud that United States is also in the list just like the reason why we should be proud with ISA. :D
#9 by yhsiew on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 6:20 pm
10 home remedies to avoid swine flu
=======================
Are the rising swine flu casualties giving you jitters? Not sure how you can avoid falling prey to the growing epidemic? First and foremost, there is absolutely no need to panic.
Watching television to keep tabs on the progress of H1N1, particularly in the badly affected areas like Pune, is all right. But don’t let the hysterical anchors get under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of the house, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask will protect you only for a specified period.
Without giving in to the swine flu panic and creating a stockpile of Tamiflu and N-95 masks at home and enriching pharma companies, there are a number of other measures you can take to ensure that the virus is not able to get you, irrespective of which part of the world you are in.
It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attack you when your immune system is weak, or they can weaken it easily. Hence, building your own defences would be a better, more practical, long-lasting and much more economical idea.
Here are some easy steps you can take to tackle a flu virus of any kind, including swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. You can pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to an extent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and staying in solitary confinement is a must.
1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity.
2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.
3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.
4. Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.
5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).
6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.
7. Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus.
8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body’s resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.
9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.
10. Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.
#10 by monsterballssgoh on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 6:39 pm
UMNO will always cover up bad news….and if exposed…they are very good to divert out attention to something else.
Based on population….with 67 death counts….Malaysia must be No.1 in the world.
I hope for once UMNO do not make excuses and should work day and night to contain the spread of this virus.
I have a strange feeling…if one death involves an UMNO high profile child or relative….heads will roll…things will move faster.
#11 by ClO2 on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 7:07 pm
“People’s indifference towards keeping a clean environment and taking precaution against the disease could be the cause of the high mortality rate.”
Agree perfectly.
1) Take precaution we could still get infected.
2) Dont take precaution, with the current rate it is going, we sure get infected.
BTW, when we use our sanitizers, do we know for sure H1N1 virus is destroyed? (Hint: Can always ask the hand sanitizers suppliers for clinical/sceintific proof on this.)
#12 by Onlooker Politics on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 9:21 pm
“How can be there such a vast difference in the estimates of A(H1N1) mortality rate between the Health Minister and Health Director-General, a difference of some 400 to 700 per cent between Ismail’s 0.007 per cent and that Liow’s 0.1 to 0.4 per cent.” (Kit)
Let’s do a revision on the secondary school Form 1 mathematics here.
Assume that Tan Sri Dr. Ismail Merican is correct in saying that at 67 death toll the mortality rate is 0.007%. The fractional value for 0.007% is 0.00007.
Then from Dr. Ismail’s information, we can obtain the total number of H1N1 infected population as follows:
67/0.00007 giving 957,142 H1N1 patients.
Assume that Datuk Liow Tiong Lai’s estimation is 0.1% mortality rate. The fractional value for 0.1% is 0.001.
From Datuk Liow’s 0.1% estimation, we can obtain the total number of H1N1 infected population as follows:
67/0.001 giving 67,000 H1N1 patients.
Assume that Datuk Liow estimated the mortality rate at the high side is 0.4%. The fractional value for 0.4% is 0.004.
Based on 0.4% mortality rate when the death toll is 67, then we can obtain the total H1N1 infected population as follows:
67/0.004 giving 16,750 patients.
Based on the above different estimations from the top officer and the Minister of Ministry of Health, we can safely say that the total number of Malaysian people who got infected with H1N1 so far is at least 16,750 persons (from Datuk Liow’s conservative estimation). Worst still, if Tan Sri Dr. Ismail Merican is telling us the truth, then his 0.007 percent mortality rate implies that 957,142 Malaysian people already suffered from H1N1 infection as at todate. The figure is really causing us alarming!
#13 by raven77 on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 9:31 pm
No deaths because…there is no testing…they are all just dying probably like the Subang Jaya teacher this morning.
See..problem solved. Just dont test.
#14 by tenaciousB on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 9:48 pm
The only possible explanation to the discrepancy between liow’s and merican’s numbers are the former is talking about total mortality wherelse the latter’s refering to the total number of cases inlcuding mortality.
#15 by tenaciousB on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 9:51 pm
I got it mixed up, merican’s 0.001 refers to mortality alone and liow’s refers to total cases which includes mortality.
#16 by fido on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 9:51 pm
Cancel all large public gathering!! Why still bothered with Merdeka gathering? Is Merdeka more important or the lives of the people?
Watch out for the large groups of people ballik kampung in buses, trains and planes…after this the number will be up even more.
#17 by tenaciousB on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 9:58 pm
one of the treatment measures for flu is consumption of water……..with ramadhan around the corner what’s gonna happen?
#18 by LG on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 10:18 pm
Two different results for the mortality rate. It is either one is wrong and the other is right or both are wrong. So who failed Math? The Health Minister or the Director General of Health or both?
But according to MACC or PDRM “investigation”, both are correct.
#19 by gnustiy on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 10:21 pm
Really don’t understand, people in Singapore have to commute via public buses and MRTs where commuters will be packed like tinned sardines, yet the death toll is so much lower. This time, sadly, we finally beat them. Malaysia boleh!
#20 by AhPek on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 10:48 pm
One is saying the number infected with the novel H1N1 between 16,750 and 67,000 whilst the other is saying it is 957,142. So is it any wonder the public is getting even more
worried cos they don’t really know whether they are coming or going! How pathetic can it be but that’s not funny too since lives are involved.
#21 by Onlooker Politics on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 10:52 pm
Please check out the following positive news about H1N1 vaccine:
Australia’s CSL profit up 63% on H1N1 flu vaccine demand
Posted: 19 August 2009 1319 hrs (Channel News Asia Special Report)
As shown in a photo provided by CSL, a patient receives a H1N1 flu vaccination by a nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Adelaide, Australia. (Please go to channelnewsasia.com website to see the photo.)
SYDNEY: Australian pharmaceutical company CSL on Wednesday reported a 63 per cent jump in annual net profit as demand for a H1N1 flu vaccine boosted its immunisation business.
CSL posted a profit of A$1.15 billion (US$951 million) for the year to June, with underlying operational profit – which strips out currency movements and other one-off items – up 45 per cent to A$1.02 billion.
“This is a powerful result for CSL, derived in an extraordinary period of foreign exchange volatility and global economic upheaval,” managing director Brian McNamee said in a statement.
He said favourable movements in foreign exchange and sales and royalties from its cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil had underpinned growth, along with “robust” global demand for plasma therapies.
McNamee said CSL’s seasonal influenza vaccine business grew 60 per cent in the period to A$124 million, while massive orders for an A(H1N1) vaccine were likely to provide a “strong contribution” to future earnings.
“Over the last few months we received significant orders from the Australian and US governments for the H1N1 flu vaccine,” he said.
“CSL has vigorously pursued the development of a vaccine and commenced manufacturing in order to meet demand for this important medicine.”
McNamee said Australia had ordered 21 million courses of the H1N1 flu vaccine and the United States had placed an initial order for doses, to be trialled there, worth US$180 million.
CSL expected a net profit of A$1.16-1.26 billion in 2009-2010, McNamee said, as the H1N1 flu orders were filled and royalties continued to flow from the local rollout of cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil.
Its shares were up 0.03 per cent to A$33.57 in a broadly higher market at noon.
– AFP/yb
#22 by DAP man on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 11:09 pm
I have noticed how some Malay DGs have no qualms about showing their middle finger at a non-Malay Minister.
They never respect the pendatang Ministers. But see how obedient and subservient they are to their own kind.
#23 by Onlooker Politics on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 11:18 pm
‘Original antigenic sin’: A threat to H1N1 vaccine effectiveness?
Robert Roos News Editor
Aug 18, 2009 (CIDRAP News) – Half a century ago, scientists reported evidence of some curious behavior by the immune system in humans and animals: If a host was exposed to an influenza virus and later encountered a variant strain of the same virus, the immune system responded to the second attack largely with the same weapons it used against the first one.
Like an army still fighting by the tactics of the last war, the host immune system mostly produced antibodies matched to the first virus instead of the second, resulting in a less effective defense. With a nod to theology, this phenomenon was labeled “original antigenic sin.”
Today, in the face of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, many countries are preparing to launch H1N1 vaccination campaigns this fall. Millions of people are in groups recommended to receive both seasonal flu immunizations and H1N1 vaccinations. Seasonal flu vaccine—which contains an H1N1 component, distantly related to the novel H1N1 virus—will be available sooner in most places.
This timing has caused some observers to wonder: If a person gets a seasonal flu shot and then an H1N1 dose a few weeks later, will original antigenic sin come into play and cause a poor response to the H1N1 vaccine?
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/news/aug1809originalpwm.html
#24 by frankyapp on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 11:38 pm
” How and why Malaysia swiftly joined the world’s top eight countries with the highest death toll from A(H1N1) flu pandemic in less than a month.”…LKS. My answer is simple,it’s just the ” tidak apa ” attitude of the authority/authorities concern,especially the minister and his ministry.The prime minister is also to blame for his “tidak apa ” attitude.After all he’s over all in change of the security and health of the country.For the Health Authority to wait the pandemic to rise to certain level in order to take action is out right ridiculous or scandalous.They should know most people’s mentality especially not reporting case/cases to the health authority when being contacted with such swine flu symptom hence should they be a one reported death,there would be probably 5 death in the wilderness.Any intelligent government or heatlh agency should have issued a strict warning to its citizen about the spread of this deadly virus before it kills the first victim but for Malaysia ,sadly though I have to say,needed more than a dozen innocent death ,only to justify preventure action.Yeah it’s really pathetic and it’s not funny too since lives are in involved,hence our politicians especially those who are in power not to “play play or ” main main sejak”.
#25 by ktteokt on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 - 11:49 pm
The best thing that would happen now is for Liow Tiong Lai the Minister of Health to contract H1N1 himself! That would be the biggest joke of the century!
#26 by ablastine on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 1:12 am
The best thing that can happen is for everybody to get H1N1 so they don’t have H1N1 rubbish to contribute here anymore. Free vaccination also don’t want. Whether you like it or not this time next year almost everyone here would have gotten infected with the virus and still surviving.
#27 by monsterballssgoh on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 2:09 am
Bottom line…all dirty countries or vicinities are prone to contact HINI.
I live in Subang Jaya…and it has turned to be quite a filthy place to live in..especially at SS15 area.
Subang Jaya is a very huge housing estate.
My area have drains that are so filthy…you can experience foul smell ..while walking along the corridors.
Who knows…God does work in mysterious ways…and if BN do not buck up and be serious…yes…it will be nice to see Min.of Health contact HINI.
Sooner or later….a sign will be given.
So used to be elected…doing nothing…except mastering the art to fool voters….what do you expect from UMNO and BN?
Watch out for more goodies …to divert out attention….again and again…with no follow ups and good results to tell us.
They simply do not work…only talk or do… to win votes…and leave the country to hired professional employees.
#28 by KohJL on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 5:46 am
Looking at the case fatality rates, it does seem that we are having an above-average rate. I hope this is due to differences between nations in how the statistics are reported (in particular, how the infected are counted).
An alternative explanation is:
1. We had the misfortune of having the virus mutate for the worse within our borders.
2. Infection control protocols are not observed in hospitals, resulting in hospital-acquired infections.
3. Something I haven’t considered.
4. Any combination of the above.
I think the final cause of death of H1N1/09 casualties deserves a closer look.
A 29-bed hospital ward in UK produces about 294L of clinical waste in “normal” setting, and about 864L in an influenza pandemic setting, according to a small simulation study conducted in 2006. These include of surgical masks, FFP3 masks (European equivalent to US’ N99), gloves, gowns, goggles, and visors. This was published in the Journal of Hospital Infection January this year.
It goes without saying that this is very expensive to maintain. Considering the endemic corruption in “the system”, it would be interesting to know how do our public hospitals compare.
Sorry, but I have more questions than answers too.
Note:
Before I confuse anyone, I’m talking about the ratio of infection vs. death, NOT population of Malaysia vs. H1N1/09 deaths or total deaths due to all causes vs. total H1N1/09 deaths. The latter two figures are indeed, very very small.
#29 by House Victim on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 10:33 am
What measures have been taken to prevent the spreading of the virus should be the basis and fundamental of all! These should be transparent so that the Public know what they should do to fight collectively this pandemic!
However, it is told that patients with symptoms of flu are not being provided with testing and not isolated but asked to go back home with their own search for medical care. And, they should turned up for medical care only when their symptoms are critical! In this respect, can the authority has a good track of suspects and prevention?
What is happening can only show that the authority is lacking of an comprehensive measure to prevent and cure. Any figure the authority can provide can hardly reflect the actual situation. THEY DO NOT HAVE THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIVES!!
PLEASE PRESS THE AUTHORITY FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE AND WHAT MEASURES THEY ARE GOING TO PROVIDE. REVEAL THE MEDICAL CARE OF THOSE DECEASED TO SEE WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED FROM THERE!
THE MANAGEMENT OF PREVENTION AND CURING ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT!
Should they care only about the figures? And, therefore, they are trying with their BEST EFFORTS in making the Figures as low as possible on the Death and not as efficient as possible on the LIVES!!
When taking the fatalities in related with the population, Malaysia could be the No. 1!!
PLEASE WAKE UP!!
#30 by yhsiew on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 10:59 am
How and why has Malaysia swiftly joined the world’s top eight countries with the highest death toll from A (H1N1) flu pandemic in less than a month?
==========================================
We get what we sow.
Look at the following report from today’s TheSun:
PARIS: Northern hemisphere countries have so far ordered more than one billion doses of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, sparking warnings over shortages.
Some countries – notably Greece, The Netherlands, Canada and Israel – have ordered enough double doses to inoculate their entire population…….
What has Malaysia done? We are still sleeping! Health ministers and officers in charge must wake up. Don’t have the bucks to order the vaccine? Ask tycoon Tiong King Sing for the money.
#31 by yokielaw on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 11:40 am
This HINI virus was an imported virus. After the 1st case detected here, the virus spread faster than the world cases put together.This was due to the “wait & see” attitute (as usual)- take action only after tragedy happens (too late).
A friend of mine informed me that her daughter’s school(chinese school) in SJ has 6 HINI cases in ONE class alone (not sure how many in whole school) but school still opened as normal until after a few weeks, the school then closed from this Tuesday for the rest of the week until school holidays.Can you imagine how many students would have infected for the delay in closing the school by the authorities? How come the authorities did not make a daily check with hospital,private clinics for daily statistics of infected Hini and to make it compulsory for these medical centres to report the names & location of schools to authorities immediately,so to enable authorities to close those affected schools, to contain the spread.
We, public also observed that those handling with food & drinks (f & b) eg. in mamak stalls,shops,restaurants, “tai chow” shops,hawkers etc, are not required by the authorities to wear masks & hand gloves when handling food/drinks.This also can contribute to the spread.How about soaps in toilets?Are they disinfectant soaps used during this HINI period? How come the authorities are so relaxed in this precuationary measures? Slow implementaion.
The Japanese are a very good example of good hygiene.Whether got HINI or not, they are always wearing masks & hand gloves when handling food/drinks.Our authorities must impose such ruling to all our local people, as there may be more unknown viruses in tow in the future,looking at the deterioration of our planet that has become conducive for viruses (could be man-made viruses, just like computer viruses!). Therefore, public hygiene is paramount.
Even in India (i just log into “Times of India” Indian newspaper), the mortality rate is lower than here & they are alerting the public with several remedies & even a talk video with a doctor for public to ask Q & A in media online!. Malaysia have a lot to learn from India (now more advanced than us) & all our politicians/decision makers must log on to onlines news worldwide (i recommend Times of India for their vibrancy) to improve on their views and be open-minded esp our MOculture & information/communication, and STAY RELEVANT in implementing their policies!
We feel MOH is not doing enough to curb the spread with implementations by authorities in prevention/spread of HINI.Just airing the prevention in media is not going to help unless authorities go to the field to check & impose strict rules eg fine for spitting in public areas, mask & hand gloves for workers etc.
Just like computer virus(how our computer get certain viruse? look for the causes), there is a reason for the emergence of this virus, what are the causes?? Look for the causes besides the cures. Good hygiene & public education, one of the many causes.What about scientific researches on animals or the deterioration of environment? etc etc?
#32 by dranony on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 11:50 am
YB, please understand that the Case Fatality Rate as mentioned by Liow Tiong Lai, refers to the number of deaths divided by the number of persons afflicted by the disease. In the beginning, ALL those who were infected, even those who were merely household contacts but remained well, were counted among those who were afflicted. However, once the virus spread widely amongst the population, those with mild infection were no longer counted – it was simply logistically impossible to do so. Thus this resulted in undercounting of the denominator, while the numerator ie number of deaths were still accurately counted. This will result in a spuriously high CFR.
Ismail Merican, otoh, referred to a figure of Mortality Rate per Total population, which is the number of deaths divided by the total population, whether those in the total population were afflicted or not. While this is a valid epidemiological statistic properly employed, he should have explained the difference between CFR and Mortality Rate, in order not to confuse the lay public.
#33 by yokielaw on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 12:33 pm
The fast increase in fatalities is due to our MOH slow action and implementation and decision-making.
The MOH/MOE should direct that all schools be CLOSED for 2 weeks w.e.f.last week in view of the fast growing cases during the last 2 weeks.
Now, these cases have multiplied and it is harder to control/contain now due to the attitudes of our MOH (that this is not only affecting us, it is worldwide,so slow in action /implementation causing the fast spread of HINI).
MOH should advise public to stay at home and only go out when necessary esp to public areas,malls etc to prevent the spread, and to provide masks to schools & hospitals/clinics & public areas like KLSentral/KLIA/Ports.
Public hygiene & education on hygiene should be emphasized by authorities daily in all medias eg. there are still some mothers testing their food with there mouth with their saliva before feeding their infants(MOH should educate them),regardless of any epidemic as a long term prevention & education.
Emulate Japan, all public areas are so clean.. our public areas are so filthy! (how not to have dengues & other viruses?)-all these due to our “tidak apa ” attitudes & selfish irresponsible mentalities & public civid-mindedness!! Vision 2020??? OMG! Tak Malu.
#34 by johnnypok on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 3:52 pm
The Merdeka gathering should be canceled and a curfew imposed indefinitely, until no more new cases.
But I doubt our HP6 leaders will do it.
31 August 2009 = “Swine flu KO Malaysia”
#35 by cemerlang on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 9:14 pm
The AH1N1 viruses are more productive than the many health related human employees. The viruses work many times faster and harder in multiplying themselves, in gaining a stronghold and in making the host their fertile home. You want to know a very good teamwork group ? Here is one starring at your face. The viruses are not lazy, they do not procastinate, they do not take forever, they are not calculative, they do not give meaningless reasons after reasons and if only human employees can work like these viruses.
#36 by karenleehs on Thursday, 20 August 2009 - 9:28 pm
I want some answers from the government.
Those who had H1N1 and recovered, what sort of medication were given?
Did they take the usual medication for cough and running nose like
1) anti histamine eg Polaramine or Loratadine or Zyrtec?
2) bronchiodilator eg salbutamol (Ventolin) or combivent, inhale or oral?
3) something for the phelgm eg Rhinithiol or mucosolvent?
4) steroid for the inflammation of the lung eg prednisolone or seretide?
(these are the usual medication i have to give my 5 year old child when he has bronchitis….)
It’s important to know what are the care they have taken after they got infected so that we know what to do…..
What about those that died? Did they know the medication required to take?
#37 by boh-liao on Friday, 21 August 2009 - 12:25 am
We ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
On 31 Aug 2009 thousands of people will be rubbing each other
One for all and all for one
1Malaysia
#38 by monsterballssgoh on Friday, 21 August 2009 - 10:56 pm
After watching the Merdeka parade….hundreds will get sick…coughing and sweating…shivering at night…with three blankets to cool off..still shivering. Back aching…so extreme. ..coughing until throat so painful.
Stupid parents exposing their babies and tiny tots are risking the lives…to even worst results.
Forewarn is foretold.
Stay home. Do not go to the parade.
God does work in mysterious ways….maybe we see first time parade …cancel by UMNO…signaling..end of UMNO soon?
#39 by AhPek on Saturday, 22 August 2009 - 12:29 am
Do you know,Sir, Mr. Minister of Health that WHO has estimated as many as 2 billion people could become infected over the next 2 years? Obviously you do not since you have been so lackadaisical about this pandemic that has been raging since April 2009.You haven’t got a clue on how best and effectively
to educate the public on the flu.You haven’t got a clue on how best to prepare your health system to care for severe cases.You haven’t got a clue on how best to protect those deemed most vulnerable ie those with underlying medical conditions to prevent unnecessary deaths
To give you a simple example.Singapore has already placed orders for A(H1N1) vaccines from CSL of Australia as soon as she has learned that CSL has expressed its intention to make the vaccine.You Mr. Health Minister has only recently started to enquire from European and American pharmaceutical companies.Of course the general public is not aware that these companies will supply their home countries first before they start to think about supplying to others.Mr.Health Minister will then bullshit the public on how efficient they are when the vaccine finally arrives here in March or April or later part of next year whereas Singapore will most likely get their supplies in October or November 2009!
Read about the seriousness of A(H1N1) transmission rate by clicking
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_419590.html
#40 by malignant on Saturday, 22 August 2009 - 6:32 pm
malaysians were given a false scene when H1N! strikes our country: JGN RISAU…..NO PROBLEM….we are safe ..still very safe! This is the idea given to us. why must they tell us this kind of false statement or blind statement if liow tiong lai did not do his homework again. just like the dengue cases. simply open his big mouth and led us to death valley! in hong kong, they announce it early. precautions were taken. in singapore, they learn lessons from SARS. early precautions. and malaysia? thanks to those arrogant bast…. that sitting in the office and busy discussing with minister of tourism about how to cover this issue away from tourists. even the blind or even brain dead person can think what kinda mistakes they just created.
i pity those working in the hospitals. why GH dr are not provided with good masks? and why not all GH dr given the tamiflu? any one appreciate the poor doctors? but when a case of H1N1 death, all pointed fingers at doctors!
we should look back why our country is the worst? or do we blame the virus just like the malaysia boleh style? just blame anyone anything that we dont like as long as we dont admit own fault! this is malaysia!