KUALA LUMPUR: Travellers from areas in China where new coronavirus infections have been reported should undergo health screening upon arrival in Malaysia, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) said today.
Its president, Dr N. Ganabaskaran, said the process should include taking their temperature and requiring them to fill out a symptoms questionnaire before landing.
“Those with symptoms such as fever, cough or breathing difficulties should undergo additional health assessment,” he said.
Nonetheless, the MMA believes that the Health Ministry has already increased surveillance at most entry points into the country.
Ganabaskaran advised travellers and members of the public to take the necessary precautions such as avoiding close contact with people who are unwell or show symptoms of illness.
“Ensure good personal hygiene and wash your hands with soap frequently,” he said. “Those with respiratory problems or a runny nose should wear a face mask.”
He said a person should cover his mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing and to dispose of the tissue paper immediately after use.
”If you’re feeling unwell, seek medical attention promptly,” he advised, adding that updates on the disease is readily available on the ministry’s website www.infosihat.gov.my.
Ganabaskaran also advised people against sharing unsubstantiated information on the situation via social media.
Chinese health officials have warned that a new strain of the coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV, has already killed nine people and could mutate and spread further. It has not previously been seen in humans.
The symptoms of an infection by the virus are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
The outbreak that has already seen 440 confirmed cases originated from an illegal wildlife market in Wuhan and has spread to other provinces as well as across borders to Thailand, South Korea and the United States.