24 more influenza-like illness cases reported in Perak

IPOH: Another 24 influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported in two schools in Perak on Saturday, bringing the total number of cumulative cases to 438.
State Health, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs and National Integration committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said among the new cases were 23 were students from Sekolah Menengah Raja Perempuan Taayah, Ipoh, while the other case was reported in Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (STAR), Ipoh.
Sekolah Menengah Raja Perempuan Taayah has so far recorded 225 cases since the outbreak on March 4.
STAR has registered 115 cases, while Sekolah Menengah Abdul Rahman Talib, Teluk Intan (82), Kolej Vokasional Slim River (13) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Klebang Jaya, Ipoh (three).
Of the new cases, four in Sekolah Raja Perempuan Taayah and one in STAR have been placed in quarantine, bringing the total number to 304 isolated in other schools.
Three of the affected students are receiving treatment in hospitals.
One student was discharged from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital Ipoh on Saturday.
Four samples were tested for Influenza A (H3) and six for Influenza B.
Mah had earlier said swab samples taken from some of the students revealed it it was not the avian flu or H1N1 but just seasonal flu.
The main symptoms of ILI are fever and sore throat, and can also cause headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue and flu.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir had last week urged the public to remain calm over the situation.
He said the symptoms suffered by the students were only of "seasonal flu" and not swine flu or H1N1.