By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 19: It is important for all, with or without Covid-19 infection, to be aware of the warning signs of the coronavirus so immediate medical help can be sought before leading to fatal consequences, says State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“In this post-vaccination era, with most of the infected either Category 1 (no symptoms and probably not even aware is infected) or Category 2 (mild symptoms), (it is) important for everyone with or without Covid-19 to be aware of the warning signs,” he said.
He added the warning signs in an adult, as described by the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Covid-19 Response Team, can be fever for two days or more, difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, diarrhea or vomiting for more than two times a day, or drowsiness.
Other symptoms include being unable to tolerate orally and unable to carry out daily activities as usual.
For children, signs such as fever, diarrhea and vomiting are worrying as well, but parents should also look out for indicators like fast breathing, poor feed, lethargy, blue lips or face due to low oxygen level in the bloodstream.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Local Government and Housing, was concerned with the reported six brought-in-dead (BID) cases in Pusa and Betong out of total 10 Covid-19 fatalities yesterday (Sept 18).
Thus, he stressed that early detection and treatment can save lives.
While lamenting the deaths of fellow Sarawakians, he raised the need for both Ministry of Health (KKM) and Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) to clarify whether the six BIDs were diagnosed with Covid-19 before or after they passed away at home.
“(I) understand it takes time for the pathologists and medical experts to determine cause of deaths due to Covid-19 or not, but we need further clarification.
“Irrespective, this is of great public interest. (I) hope KKM and JKNS can make the relevant section of the mortality review and post mortem report public soon,” said Dr Sim. — DayakDaily
