When we thought the influenza A outbreak was bad enough – guess what? It’s just been reported that Malaysian health authorities are on high alert for the Wuhan virus.
We’ve only heard a little bit about this new disease but how many Malaysians actually know and are aware of it?
Photo: The Straits Times
The Wuhan virus is a recent new epidemic that originated from Wuhan, China (hence, the name). This disease is described to be a coronavirus which shares similarities to the SARS virus.
Remember SARS? It’s the virus that affects our respiratory systems, enters from the nose and quickly invades cells and begins to replicate and eventually damage organs of other body systems.
Sounds horrific, right?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already issued an alert for all hospitals worldwide over the spread of the virus, because it has already been found in Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.
The pneumonia outbreak linked to the new type of virus has been traced to seafood and animals, suggesting a possible zoonotic origin, according to the WHO.
According to The Star, Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said thermal scanners are being used to screen travelers. They’ve also stationed their response team at all international entry points and health facilities, particularly the KLIA health office, and are on high alert following the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that so far, the new coronavirus has not been detected in Malaysia.
Unlike influenza A (though it is still pretty bad) the Wuhan virus currently does not have a cure and there is no existing vaccine to protect us from it.
So put on a face mask, avoid being in crowded places, especially airports, take enough fluids and wash your hands, ok?
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
