PUTRAJAYA, April 28 — There are no new cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) reported in the country so far, making the cumulative number of the case to remain at one.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the incubation period of 14 days on other contacts exposed to MERS-CoV victim in Johor, ended yesterday.
“Cumulatively, a total of 222 contacts were detected across the country and all of them are currently in good health.
“Out of the 79 samples taken from the close contacts, none of them was tested positive for MERS-CoV,” he said in a statement here today.
The only victim of MERS-CoV in the country was a 54-year-old man from Batu Pahat, Johor, who returned from the Holy Land on March 29.
The man complained of fever, cough and breathing difficulties for 10 days and was admitted to the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital on April 10. He died three days later.
Dr Noor Hisham said the World Health Organisation reported to have received 261 reports on MERS-CoV cases, with 93 deaths, which were confirmed through lab tests as at last Saturday.
Hence, he said those who were planning to perform umrah and Haj this year or to travel any Middle East countries were advised to observe personal hygiene and wash their hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing or shaking hands.
“Do not visit sick patients and animal farms or touch any animals, especially camels. Be extra careful and if not feeling well, seek immediate medical attention,” he said.
Those who had just returned from countries involved in respiratory syndrome, such as fever, cough, flu and sore throat, were also advised to wear face masks and observe personal hygiene, besides seeking immediate medical attention.
“Besides, the ministry would also like to seek the cooperation from travel agents, especially those involved in managing umrah pilgrims, to increase awareness on the MERS-CoV infection by continuously providing information to the pilgrims,” he said.
Further information of MERS-CoV can be obtained from the ministry’s website at www.moh.gov.my. — Bernama
