Health DG: How coronavirus is transmitted still not clear

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): How the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is transmitted is not clearly known, although the cases detected so far have symptoms of respiratory tract infection, such as fever, coughing and breathing difficulty, says Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pic).

He said there was evidence of human-to-human transmission, especially among close contacts.

As such, he said, the Health Ministry will continue to monitor the 2019-nCoV infection through information from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“The public will be informed of any development on the infection. Likewise, we will ensure appropriate precautions and preventive measures are taken, ” he said in a statement here Saturday (Jan 25).

Dr Noor Hisham advised the public, especially those travelling to China and after returning to Malaysia, to take precautionary measures, including maintaining a high level of personal hygiene, such as washing their hands regularly with soap and water, or by using hand sanitiser.

“During any visit (to China), always bring along face masks and a hand sanitiser for use when necessary, and avoid visiting animal farms or going to markets that sell live animals, slaughterhouses or touching any animal.

“You should also avoid eating raw or not well-cooked meat, ” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said they should also seek immediate medical treatment if they fall sick or experience symptoms of respiratory tract infections, such as fever, cough or breathing difficulties within 14 days upon their return from any such trip. – Bernama