Fourth school in Langkawi closes over flu-like illness

By EMBUN MAJID
embun@thestar.com.my
ALOR SETAR: A fourth school in Langkawi has closed after its pupils were found to be suffering from influenza-like illness.

The Kedah Education Department closed SJKC Chung Hwa after 40 pupils were found with the illness.

Department director Shahidan Abdul Rahman said the school would be closed for five days beginning today.

“This is the fourth cluster of influenza-like illness in Langkawi and the Health Department is closely monitoring all schools on the island.

“Last week, SMK Langkawi Pulau Tuba, SK Bagan Nyiur Selat and SMK Teknik Langkawi were ordered closed between five and six days,” he added.

Shahidan said SMK Langkawi Pulau Tuba was re-opened on Sunday, SK Bagan Nyiur Selat was re-opened yesterday while SMK Teknik Langkawi would be opened today.

It is learnt that the state Health Department is also closely monitoring SMK Mahsuri and Maktab Rendah Sains Mara after more than 20 students from both schools were treated for flu yesterday.

Meanwhile, Kedah Health Committee chairman Dr Ismail Salleh said 200 students from SMK Langkawi Pulau Tuba, SMK Teknik Langkawi and SK Bagan Nyiur Selat were confirmed positive for the A(H1N1) virus.

“All of them were given anti-viral drugs and then quarantined at home. The state had earlier recorded a total of 14 A(H1N1) cases with no deaths recorded.

“The state Health Department will closely monitor all schools, higher learning institutions and colleges,” he added yesterday.

* Yang bertanda merah adalah fakta yang tidak tepat -Yb Dr Ismail Salleh.