KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is battling to contain the influenza A (H1N1) infection to prevent it from spreading in the community, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said the ministry was concentrating on the treatment of H1N1 patients and to date one of 848 patients had been warded in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital.

Liow declined to reveal the name of the hospital.

"Most of the patients are in good health except for one, who had been admitted to the ICU. We are doing our best for all patients," he told reporters after opening a wellness centre of Energy TSM Wellness Sdn Bhd here today (18 July).

Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Ismail Merican said yesterday that 726 or 86 percent of the 848 patients had recovered while 116 (13 percent) were give out-patient treatment. Only six persons or one percent are hospitalised.

In another development, Liow said restaurant and cafeteria operators were encouraged to display the calorie, fat and sugar content of their food as part of the ongoing health awareness campaign.

"I believe consumers would prefer restaurants that serve freshly cooked and quality food. Those serving oily and sweet food will be shunned by consumers," he added.

Liow also urged the people to lead a healthy lifestyle by walking 10,000 steps a day to keep heart disease, diabetes and stroke at bay besides reducing weight and cholesterol.

"This can be done. For example, if you are working on the 12th floor, you get out of the lift on the ninth floor and take the stairs to the 12th floor.

"If you do it often you will be comfortable with it. Walking 10,000 steps a day is equivalent to walking for six or seven km," he added. (Bernama)