Malaysia on Friday confirmed that the first case of influenza A/H1N1 has been found in the country.

Malaysian Health Ministry's Director General Mohd Ismail Merican on Friday issued a statement to confirm the first influenza A/ H1N1 case in the country, involving a student who just returned from the United States.

Malaysian Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai, who was on transit in London enroute to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the World Health Organization (WHO) General Assembly, also confirmed the case, according to Malaysia's national news agency Bernama.

Ismail Merican, said the young man was hospitalized on Thursday for fever, sore throat and body aches.

Tests confirmed that he was infected with the A/H1N1 virus and is receiving anti-viral treatment, but in stable condition, Ismail said.

The ministry had contacted members of his family but they have not been placed under quarantine, he added.

The student was now quarantined at the Sungai Buloh Hospital, Liow said.

The student returned to Malaysia on May 13 and he sought treatment when he felt unwell the next day, he said.

The test confirmed that he has the H1N1 virus, he added.

Liow said that Malaysian health personnel were tracking down all passengers on the flight and those who had come into contact with the student since his return.

He urged people in the country to act to prevent the spread of the disease and said the health ministry has initiated various preventive measures.

Liow also advised the public to be on high alert and immediately seek treatment if they feel unwell.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2009)