KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 – The lethality rate due to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus is only one per cent and it is well below the death toll caused by avian influenza rate of 60 per cent, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
Thus, he said, the public should not worry about the virus as long as those infected with the virus sought treatment within 48 hours.
“If patients sought treatment after 48 hours then they would face certain risks although the lethality rate is only one per cent,” Liow told reporters here today after briefing the media on the preparations for a gala dinner to be held by the MCA this weekend to commemorate Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s appointment as the country's sixth prime minister.
In addition, Liow also urged the media, especially the television stations, to use the term Influenza A(H1N1) in place of “swine flu”, as recommended by the the World Health Organisation.
“The virus is not spread from pigs to people. The media must pay attention to this matter otherwise people will be confused,” he said.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim disagrees, though, insisting that journalists should use “swine flu” to avoid confusion. – Bernama
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