Keep close watch on your children’s health, says Ismail

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PUTRAJAYA: With the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) being held next week, parents have been advised to keep a close watch on their children’s health.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said parents must exercise additional precautionary measures especially if they have asthmatic children as they are in the high-risk group for Influenza A(H1N1).

The number of fatalities remains at 72 with no new deaths recorded in the past 24 hours, Dr Ismail announced, adding that there are 264 confirmed cases from 1,238 patients being treated nationwide for influenza-like illnesses.

In JOHOR BARU, Lembaga Tabung Haji said there is enough anti-viral drugs for the 26,000 Malaysian pilgrims performing the Haj this year.

Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Ismee Ismail said apart from the meningitis vaccination as required by the Saudi Arabian government, pilgrims would also get anti-viral drugs.

“We are working closely with the Health Ministry and will tell pilgrims where to get them,” he told reporters yesterday after presenting Hari Raya Aidilfitri contributions to 240 recipients comprising the poor, single mothers and orphans.

He said although pilgrims were not required to take anti-viral drugs, the board would advise them to do so to avoid any complications during their stay in Mecca and Medina.

Ismee said the board had a team of 750 volunteer doctors, nurses and support staff to take care of Malaysian pilgrims during the Haj season.