The Health Ministry confirmed today the death of two persons, a mother and daughter in Malacca, from the Influenzae A(H1N1 virus) this week.

NONE In a statement, Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said a 54-year-old woman was warded in Hospital Melaka on March 30 with an ‘Influenza-like Illness’ (ILI).

After tests confirmed that she had contracted Influenza A(H1N1), she was administered with Tamilflu.

Complications from her diabetic condition led, however, to “severe metabolic acidosis” as a result of kidney failure and an infection. She passed away on Tuesday.

Her 29-year old daughter, who was 36-weeks pregnant, was admitted for treatment on the same day after  being diagnosed with ILI and found positive for H1N1.

Her child was found to be suffering from Foetal Distress Syndrome.

While surgery was performed to save the baby, the administration of Tamilflu to the mother did not lead to any improvement.

She passed away yesterday, three days after being admitted.

Tests on the baby for H1N1 turned out negative, though the new-born is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit. The infant is said to be currently in stable condition.

NONE Liow ( left ) said the deaths indicate the need for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and other respiratory conditions who display signs of ILI - such as high fever (more than 38 degrees C) accompanied by coughing, runny nose and headache -  to get treatment urgently.

Early treatment with Tamilflu is highly affective in treating ILI and preventing the onset of complications, he added.

Free Influenza A(H1N1) immunisation can be obtained at any one of the 104 government health clinics found throughout the country, said Liow. 

Those in the frontlines of the public services, such as health clinics, police force, fire and rescue and immigration departments should contact the district-level public health departments to obtain the immunisation.

“As announced previously, because the (amount of) vaccine is limited, the principle of 'first come first served' is in effect,” said Liow.

He also urged the public to exercise prudence by using face masks to prevent the spread of the disease and to practice good hygiene and health.

Up until 5pm yesterday, there were a total of 351 cases of ILI, of which 28 (eight percent) patients confirmed to be suffering from H1N1 nationwide.

Five of them are currently being treated under ICU, said Liow.

No ‘clusters’ of new ILI patients have been reported up until 9am this morning, he added.