…Malawians told to avoid travelling to affected countries
Government says it has started screening travelers for Coronavirus which has affected countries in Asia.
The Ministry of Health said in a statement dated 24 January, 2020 that it has put in measures to manage those suspected to have been infected.
Government has also advised people in the country to avoid traveling to countries affected by the disease but if they find it necessary to travel they should take precautionary measures.
The measures include washing hands with soap, covering mouth and nose with medical mask and avoiding unprotected contact with persons who have cold or flu like symptoms.
“The general public is advised to report to their nearest health facility of anyone who travelled to an affected country and has become sick upon their return,” says the statement signed by Secretary for Health Dan Namarika.
Coronavirus has been spreading in China since late December and has been reported in Japan, Republic of Korea and Thailand. No detection of Coronavirus in Africa including Malawi
According to the World Health Organisation, there have been almost 557 confirmed cases and 17 deaths.
Symptoms include runny nose, fever, sore throat, cough and difficulty in breathing. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Coronavirus and affected people recover on their own.
