Mystery illness at Perak school turns out to be Influenza A(H1N1)


  • Nation
  • Wednesday, 17 Apr 2019

IPOH (Bernama): Claims of a mysterious illness in Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (STAR) here that went viral on social media Tuesday (April 16) are not true as it is just an Influenza A(H1N1) infection, it was revealed Wednesday (April 17).

Perak Health, Consumer Affairs, Civil Society and Human Resource Committee chairman A. Sivanesan (pic) said 79 students, aged from 13 to 17, and a teacher were found to have fever and cough yesterday.

He said two of the students were admitted to a private hospital for treatment and observation and one of them was discharged today. The rest received outpatient treatment.

"They are all reported to be in stable condition. Twenty-eight of them were isolated. Four of the those with cough were confirmed to be Influenza A(H1N1) positive.

"The situation in the school is under control," he told a press conference at the Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzan.

Sivanesan was asked to comment on a Facebook post that claimed that 100 students from the school were afflicted by a mysterious illness, with many of them coughing, vomiting and having a fever, which prompted their parents to take them home from the all-male residential school.

He said the Kinta District Health Office had taken measures to prevent the spread of the infection, including isolating the sick students.

As a means of checking infection, the public is advised to take preventive measures, including getting treatment at the clinic or hospital for influenza symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat.

"Stay home during the period when you have the symptoms and reduce the number of meetings with friends or relatives, avoid public places such as shopping centres, schools, kindergartens or workplaces and do not attend public events," he said.

If those with these symptoms are required to go to work, they should use face masks at all times and should practise good hygiene, he said, adding that seasonal influenza vaccines were encouraged, especially for those at high risk. - Bernama

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

No Malaysians affected in Brussels shooting incidents, says Wisma Putra
Free medical treatment at Perkeso panel clinics for work-related accidents, occupational diseases
Illegal e-waste factory shut down, foreigners held
Witness: Boy’s mum screamed ‘this is mummy’s fault’
Kavadi makers take pride in preserving traditions
RM2mil boost for TAR UMT student loans
Floods affect wildlife too
Air your grouses on rising fees
Exploding ‘sweet’ leaves gunpowder aftertaste
ATF 2025 BOOSTS REGIONAL TOURISM

Others Also Read