Three negative, one waiting for test results

PETALING JAYA: Three out of four suspected cases of the novel coronavirus in the country have been found to be negative, says the Health Ministry.

Two of the cases were in Selangor and the third is in Sabah.

The result of the fourth case, which was also detected in Sabah, is still pending as at press time.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry’s national Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) received a report of four suspected cases of the virus 2019-nCov.

Upon detection, the four people were placed in isolation wards to allow for treatment and further investigation.

“The laboratory test done on three of the patients was found to be negative for the coronavirus infection. Based on the latest suspected case of a warded patient in a Sabah hospital on Wednesday, the patient is in stable condition.

“Samples have been sent to the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) for thorough testing and confirmation.

“The test results will be available as soon as possible,” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham urged the public to delay their travels to Wuhan, China, unless it was unavoidable.

He also advised travellers to take precautionary measures in Wuhan and upon their return to Malaysia.

Dr Noor Hisham said Malaysians in Wuhan should practise high hygiene standards such as frequent washing of hands using water and soap or hand sanitisers.

He added that masks as well as hand sanitisers should be used when needed, adding that the people should avoid public places and not mingle with those having influenza symptoms.

“Avoid visiting farms, markets that sell live animals, abattoirs or touch any animals. During visits, avoid consuming raw animal produce or those that are not fully cooked,” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham advised the public to seek immediate medical care if they displayed symptoms such as fever, cough or breathing difficulties within 14 days of returning from Wuhan, and they should inform the attending doctor of their travel history.

He said the ministry will continue to monitor the situation through information obtained from the World Health Organisation.

Dr Noor Hisham pointed out that the ministry has, among other measures, strengthened its health screening activities at all international entry points and is working together with agencies that monitor international entry points.