KOTA KINABALU: There has been no new case of Influenza A (H1N1) reported so far, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin and assured the people that the situation was under control.
As of October 31 this year, only six H1N1 cases were reported, the last was last month in Penampang.
“There is no need to panic. H1N1 is endemic in humans, meaning it exists within our surroundings.
“There was just one isolated case reported last month, and there was no outbreak. Everything is under control,” assured Rosnah when talking to reporters after launching the State-level Food Safety Carnival at Suria Sabah yesterday.
She added that four of the six cases were reported in Penampang, and one each in Lahad Datu and in the state capital.
Rosnah also said the case reported this year was far lower than the previous years, adding that in 2009, a total of 944 cases were registered in Sabah, 2010 (145 cases), and last year (26 cases).
She however advised the public to practise good personal hygiene.
“We must wash our hands after going to the toilet or doing work, eat healthy and exercise. Make it as a tradition and I am sure we will be free from any illnesses,” she said.
Rosnah also said her ministry would not rest on its laurels and be complacent even though only 0.89 per cent of the total 10,019 schools nationwide have been reported for food poisoning.
She said they would continue to ensure that all school canteens adhere to the ruling and practise good hygiene when handling food.
In Sabah, she said 39 food poising cases were reported in the first 10 months this year, including 16 schools involving a total of 849 students.
“Although there has been a significant decrease in the number of food poisoning cases reported between January and October this year compared to the past two years, we will not be complacent. We will continue to spread the message that hygiene is important,” she said.
Rosnah disclosed that in 2009, a total of 46 cases were reported statewide, involving 17 schools and 888 students, while the following year, there was a drop by case to 45 cases involving 21 schools and 944 students.
She said that most of the cases reported in schools were due to poor handling and storage of food.
Earlier in her speech, Rosnah said the Food Act 1983 was enacted to protect the public from being cheated on the preparation, selling and usage of food, or anything related to food.
“The Act is revised often to suit the current demand,” she said, adding that all food handlers and operators must ensure that they adhere to the ruling to avoid hurting the public.
Also present at the event was State Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohd Yusof Ibrahim.