KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry reminds people that the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus is still prevalent eventhough there has been a reduction of cases recently.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the situation is the same globally.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that till now there were more than 300,000 positive cases in 191 countries with 3,917 registered deaths.

In Malaysia, the number of deaths stood at 77 with no new deaths.

Dr Mohd Ismail reminded people to always take steps as outlined by the ministry besides practising good and healthy lifestyles; having enough rest and sleep; drinking enough water; and have good eating habits.

"Individuals with high risks must seek treatment immediately if they have influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms," he said in a statement today.

Dr Mohd Ismail said of the 70 patients or 9.4 per cent that were positive for H1N1, 18 cases or 26 per cent were being treated in intensive care units of whom 17 were in the high-risks group.

A total of 132 new patients with ILI symptoms were admitted into hospitals for treatment and 232 had been discharged.

He said as of now all ILI cases totaled 743 in 94 hospitals, including nine private hospitals.