Brunei Remains On High Alert For H1N1

3495023564_12749dd82f3 Bandar Seri Begawan – The World Health Organisation (WHO) in their latest statistics as of yesterday (May 26) revealed that 46 countries have officially reported 12,566 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection including 91 deaths.

There have been no reported cases in Brunei Darussalam on the global pandemic previously known as swine flu, but agencies in the country are on their toes with regards to preventive measures.

In the latest awareness briefing held by the Ministry of Health, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Abd Salam bin Hj Abd Momin, the Permanent Secretary at MoH, addressed foreign ambassadors and high commissioners in the Sultanate, highlighting that the ministry’s surveillance measures have so far detected 56 suspected cases and one probable case. However, laboratory confirmatory tests showed that all were found to be negative from Influenza (H1N1). Of these, Rapid Antigen Test showed 56 negative and RC-PCR 28 negative.

“The government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam has addressed the issue at the highest level through the National Disaster Council chaired by the Crown Prince, with members from all relevant agencies.

“The Minister of Health has been appointed as the Chairperson for the Influenza (HIN1) Preparedness and Monitoring Committee to co-ordinate actions that have been taken by the relevant agencies in tackling the HINI infection,” said Dato Hj Abd Salam.

The Ministry of Health has activated its Pandemic Preparedness Plan, heightened monitoring, prevention and disease control, patient management, infection control, logistics and technical support, laboratory support, media and communications and the resource management.

Further elaborating on the H1N1 situation, Dr Hjh Maslina Hj Mohsin, the Acting Director of Health, touched upon the flu’s background, transmission, symptoms, treatments, vaccination, the influenza pandemic phases and the global and local situation.

Dr Hjh Maslina said that two types of anti-viral medicines are available in Brunei for treatments which are the oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), nevertheless, there is no vaccine available to protect humans from the H1N1 and the seasonal influenza vaccine which is available in Brunei may not protect against the flu virus.

She also outlined the MoH’s review of Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan 2005 including the seven Sub-Committees, which were Surveillance, Case Control and Prevention, Technical Support and Logistics, Case Management (Medical), Media and Public Relations, Infection Control, Laboratory Support and Manpower.

In terms of preparedness and response in border surveillance, thermal scanning/aural thermometre screening at the International Airport and other ports of entry has been set up. Health Declaration Forms have also been re-introduced since Apri128 along with the airport Lounge 6 plan—screening from affected countries, isolation rooms and identification short term holding facilities (Lounge 7 and 8).

On May 4 2009, 187 passengers from the United Kingdom were quarantined for less than 24 hours. Quarantine was lifted at 3pm the next day following negative RT-PCR from suspected cases.

Passengers on six flights from affected countries were asked to stay at the short term holding lounge while waiting for Rapid Antigen Test and were released following negative results.

Health centres and hospitals have also stepped-up surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and pneumonia, activation of flu desks to screen all patients, ensuring sufficient equipment, PPE and other logistical requirements, information to all private health sectors and preparation for isolation rooms/ wards. Meanwhile, cooperation with other nation agencies such as NDMC, DCA, airlines especially RBA, local media, police, immigrations, customs, RBAF and other ministries.

As a general precaution against flu and other respiratory illness, the MoH has advised the public to avoid contact with individuals with flu symptoms, avoid crowded areas, wear surgical mask to protect others, cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, consult a doctor especially during signs of serious illness and maintain hygienic cleanliness.

The Ministry of Health also advised unnecessary travel to affected areas, delay travel if ill (including if unwell in affected countries), and advised returning travellers from affected areas to monitor themselves for Influenza A (H1N1) for the next 10 days and should they fall ill, seek immediate medical advice and treatment at the nearest health centre/hospital. The session was held yesterday at the MoH multi-purpose hall and hoped to provide some 30 ambassadors and high commissioners who attended the briefing with useful information outlining measures that the ministry has implemented to prevent and control the H1N1 infection to a minimum.

For latest information on the pandemic disease by the MoH, the public can call its health hotline at 145 or go to www.moh.gov.bn. — Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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