Health Ministry ready for second wave of H1N1

Kuala Lumpur: The Health Ministry is ready for the second wave of Influenza A (H1N1), Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said the ministry was giving emphasis to three aspects -- stepping up monitoring of H1N1 in all states, enhancing treatment at all hospital and intensifying communication through the media as well as the campaign against H1N1.

All intensive care units (ICU) are equipped with equipment vital to treating H1N1 and we are raising the stockpile of medicine,' he told reporter at the lobby of Parliament House, here.

Liow said the H1N1 preventive measures should be ongoing and the people must be reminded to be on guard at all times.

"Do not be complacent that H1N1 is no more. Everyone must be alert at all times. The disease is prevalent in China."

Liow said that since the H1N1 awareness campaign was held jointly with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private clinics and the public, the incidence of H1N1 had dropped.

"Our campaign has been effective and the people have been responding positively to the ministry's advice on personal hygiene and the environment in checking the disease," he said.

Liow also said that the body temperature scanners were being retained at all entry points of the country.