Two officers at Intan down with H1N1

KUALA LUMPUR: Two administrative and diplomatic officer (PTD) trainees are infected with the H1N1 virus while 52 other colleagues are suffering from mild cough and fever at a National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) training facility in Ipoh.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that the two trainees had been isolated and were being monitored while the others were receiving treatment.

“We found that out of the 109 trainees at the centre, 52 were suffering from mild cough and fever but they do not have H1N1.

“There is no outbreak. It is just within this particular group. So, we have taken precautionary measures to ensure that there is no outbreak in the community ... action has been taken,” Liow said during a press conference yesterday.

It is learned that the trainees came from another Intan facility in Kemaman on Jan 10 and had travelled through Baling.

“The H1N1-affected trainees are showing signs of recovery,” said a ministry official.

Meanwhile, Liow urged the public to be wary of their health and cleanliness to avoid contracting the deadly virus.

“H1N1 is always in the country. Please wash your hands and if you have cough or fever, don’t mix with others and wear a mask,” he said.

He added that Malaysians who were planning to travel to cold countries should get vaccinated as the weather could make them vulnerable to diseases.