Terengganu Health Department confirms pregnant woman died of H1N1

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Health Department has confirmed social media reports that a pregnant woman died of the H1N1 flu virus.  

Its director Dr Mohammad Omar, however, denied that the outbreak was worsening in the state.  

"The woman was admitted to the hospital on April 7 after suffering from fever for a week. She went to a private hospital before being referred to the government hospital here and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

"There was positive improvement at first but she died on April 13.  

"Among the groups at risk of contracting this disease are pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes," he told a press conference here on Saturday night.  

Dr Mohammad urged the public not to panic as the disease has been categorised as seasonal influenza since 2013 and no longer needed to be reported to the Health Ministry.  

"The disease has been categorised as common cold and perhaps there are those who are infected by H1N1. But it is considered as common cold except for certain cases where complications arise.  

"Prior to 2013, there were only 27 cases namely in Sarawak and now on average, we have 10 cases of suspected H1N1 every month and majority of the patients would recover.  

"If there are any symptoms, my advice is do not go out in the open, use sanitiser and wear a face mask. If the cough worsens, please go to the hospital, " he added.  - Bernama