Five new H1N1 related deaths have been announced by the Health Ministry today, bringing the toll from the deadly virus to 56.

Four of the deaths involved those in high risk groups, with one case involving a victim who suffered from obesity, diabetes and lung tuberculosis, another of whom was a diabetic and two more were infants.

Seventy two others infected with H1N1 are currently warded in hospitals while another 27 are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Out of the 27, 18 are in the high risk groups with 10 suffering from chronic illness, four who are obese, two infants, a pregnant woman and another who has just delivered a baby.

ismail merican Commenting on the rising number of deaths from the virus, the director-general of health Dr Ismail Merican announced that "the majority of deaths involved contributing factors which escalated the fatalities".

He further revealed that "existing health risks factored in 70 percent of the cases".

While out of the 56 recorded deaths, "40 percent involved delays in receiving early treatment and 13 percent was because of late detection by medical practitioners".

Ismail stressed that "some of the deaths could be avoided if patients and medical practitioners are more sensitive to the issue and take appropriate actions immediately".

Public action crucial

Expressing his concern over the high rate of H1N1 infection in the country, Ismail advised the public - especially those exhibiting symptoms - to take necessary actions.

"Those who showed symptoms should go for treatment and must rest at home if not warded. The free movement of patients with H1N1 symptoms in public areas can add to the spread of the disease. Patients can easily transmit disease via coughs, sneeze or via the droplets from either," he said.

NONE "At schools and work places, individuals with symptoms must be isolated to control the spread of H1N1. Employers and school authorities must conduct daily screening for those exhibiting symptoms.

"Those with symptoms must be prevented from engaging in work of study. Any individuals with symptoms must be referred to hospitals and clinics," added the health DG.

He also said that parents and guardians were also advised not to allow children with H1N1 symptoms to go to school.

Ismail appealed to the public to follow the advice of the Health Ministry and go for early treatment should they exhibit H1N1 symptoms and were in the high risk groupings which may cause complications due to H1N1 infection.

Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin also stressed that "we are at [an] alarming stage" in the face of the rampant spread of H1N1.

PKR vice-president Dr Lee Boon Chye meanwhile had urged the government "to declare [an] emergency" over the deadly virus.

Malaysia has recorded more than 2,250 H1N1 cases since May.