KUALA TERENGGANU – A pregnant woman died of the Influenza A virus (H1N1) here on April 13, the Terengganu Health Department said.
“She was admitted to the Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ) on April 7 after suffering from fever for a week. She went to a private hospital before being referred to the government hospital here where she was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU),” state Health Department director Dr Mohammad Omar said.
There was improvement at first but she died on April 13, he told a press conference on Saturday night.
Dr Mohammad, however, dispelled talk about a worsening outbreak in the state.
He also urged the public not to panic as the disease had been categorised as seasonal influenza since 2013 and no longer needed to be reported to the Health Ministry.
“The disease has been categorised as the common cold. Perhaps there are those who are infected by H1N1 but consider it as common cold except for certain cases where complications arise,” he added.
Prior to 2013, there were only 27 H1N1 cases, mostly in Sarawak.
“Now on average, the hospital has 10 cases of suspected H1N1 every month. The majority of them recover once they are referred to a specialist,” Dr Mohammad said.
Those who have the symptoms should avoid mingling with others and avoid going out.
“Use a sanitiser and wear face masks. If the cough worsens, please go to the hospital,” Dr Mohammad said.
Among the groups at risk of contracting this disease are pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, he added. — Bernama
