Malaysia: What goes with the H1N1 situation?

I understand that the crowds at our hospitals in Alor Setar have almost returned to normal and are more manageable.. unlike a couple of weeks ago when it was like a mad house. It's the same at the clinics... things have returned quite normal here for now.

So, is the worst over? WHO seems to be of the opinion that a second wave is likely and that the H1N1 strain is now a dominant strain. Which is not surprising considering the wild run that the virus has had here in Alor Setar.

What got me thinking about this issue again is the death of BN's state assemblyman for Bagan Pinang, Azman Mohd Noor. From Malaysiakini, His son Hairol Asfani, 22, said Azman was admitted to the hospital at 3.30am due to fever. The Star has reported the cause of death as blood disorder... (septicemia??) Earlier reports stated that he died of a heart attack.

"He complained of fever but was able to walk unassisted. After the breaking of fast yesterday, his condition worsened and he was unable to walk," he said.

Among his medical history was he had gone for heart bypass but that was in May. And a few days ago, I heard over the news about claims of 3 deaths in Negeri Sembilan which some claim were the result of H1N1. Sounds kinda worrying... earlier a teacher here died under circumstances almost similar to the State Assemblyman. H1N1 had something to do with it? I don't know.

The information from our Health Ministry indicates that the death rate is very controlled now. I don't know whether it is controlled because the health care and public awareness have contributed to it or (more insidiously) because the data is flawed. I've to keep reminding myself that this is Bolehland.... where the perception of corruption, gilaness, scandals, lies is at a high state.

What I do know is we've to be on the lookout for our own good. We cannot quite depend on the gahmen. Life is fragile.. we are very vulnerable...