By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 5: Sarawak will continue to monitor the development of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak that is currently spreading in China, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) news report, he said as a result of discussions with the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, measures will be taken to ensure that the situation in Sarawak remains under control.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said Sarawak has its own ordinance to deal with infectious disease outbreaks while emphasising the State’s preparedness to face global health threats.
“So far, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not issued any specific actions regarding this outbreak, but we remain vigilant,” he said during the 51st Anniversary celebration of the Chinese Martial Arts Association at Tua Pek Kong Temple today.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim also called on the public to always take care of their health and reduce participating in group activities if they feel unwell.
He also reminded the community to learn from the experience of the Covid-19 outbreak that hit the world five years ago.
“We do not know if this outbreak can mutate again. Therefore, precautions and personal hygiene are very important to prevent infection,” he added.
Meanwhile, he hoped that the people of Sarawak continue to work together in safeguarding public health and taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
According to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
It is spread from an infected person to others, such as through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact (touching or shaking hands), and touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. — DayakDaily
