The government on Sunday issued an alert to hospitals and clinics to watch out for cases of the virulent Fujian strain of flu that has claimed lives in Britain.

"I urge the Institute of Medical Research and the national public health laboratories to conduct surveillance and report any unusual influenza cases," Chua Jui Meng, health minister was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

"Hospitals and the clinics must also be on alert to report any extraordinary outbreak of (influenza) cases, so that immediate action can be taken for the purpose of quarantine and treatment," he added.

Chua said cases of Fujian flu were reported in three boarding schools in Perak last August but the spread was contained.

Caused by influenza A virus

"No further spread was reported after this incident and no immunization was carried out," he said.

Seven children in Britain are thought to have died after picking up the flu this season.

Chua said the World Health Organization had reported that there was a rise in the number of influenza cases in Europe and North America, mostly caused by influenza A virus from the Fujian strain.

Those going to countries in the northern hemisphere are urged to take the flu vaccine, he added. - AFP