(Kuching, Jan 5) Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Sim Kui Hian reminded the public to pay attention to the risk of human metapneumovirus transmission and called on the public to maintain good hygiene habits to deal with possible virus outbreaks.
He emphasized that compared with the new coronavirus, there is currently no vaccine or effective treatment for human metapneumovirus, so more precautions are needed.
"The Malaysian Ministry of Health issued a statement the day before yesterday that it is closely monitoring the situation of human metapneumovirus."
He agreed with the Ministry of Health's stance and mentioned that cases of respiratory infections such as coughs and fevers increase every winter, and human metapneumovirus has also continued to appear in recent years.
He revealed that according to statistics, there have been about 200 to 300 confirmed cases of human metapneumovirus in Malaysia each year in the past two years.
Datuk Amar Sim Guixian was interviewed after attending the lion dance eye-dotting ceremony of the Sarawak Martial Arts Association today. It was revealed that if the case of human metapneumovirus infection reaches certain standards, it will be treated in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (342 Decree No. 1) to adopt mandatory measures, including quarantine and state of emergency, depending on the development of the virus.
He revealed that the World Health Organization has not yet declared human metapneumovirus a global emergency, but Sarawak will still take necessary actions in accordance with public health regulations.
He said that although human metapneumovirus and new coronavirus are different, their transmission patterns are similar.
He recalled the lessons learned from the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic and emphasized that basic measures to prevent the virus still apply, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks and avoiding travel to high-risk areas.
He specifically mentioned the establishment of the Sarawak Infectious Disease Center as a key move that can help Sarawak cope with possible disease outbreaks in the future.
In response to the recent development of the epidemic in China, he suggested that people planning to travel to China carefully consider their trip.
"Why risk infection if hospitals are full? You can choose to reschedule your holiday next year."
He also reminded that elderly people with weak immune systems and patients with chronic diseases should avoid going to public places and pay attention to protection.
He called on the public to be vigilant and develop good hygiene habits to protect the health of themselves and their families, while learning from the lessons learned from the COVID-19 epidemic.
"Whether it is human metapneumovirus, influenza virus or other infectious diseases, the key to epidemic prevention is always personal responsibility."
"The Malaysian Ministry of Health issued a statement the day before yesterday that it is closely monitoring the situation of human metapneumovirus."
He agreed with the Ministry of Health's stance and mentioned that cases of respiratory infections such as coughs and fevers increase every winter, and human metapneumovirus has also continued to appear in recent years.
He revealed that according to statistics, there have been about 200 to 300 confirmed cases of human metapneumovirus in Malaysia each year in the past two years.
Datuk Amar Sim Guixian was interviewed after attending the lion dance eye-dotting ceremony of the Sarawak Martial Arts Association today. It was revealed that if the case of human metapneumovirus infection reaches certain standards, it will be treated in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (342 Decree No. 1) to adopt mandatory measures, including quarantine and state of emergency, depending on the development of the virus.
He revealed that the World Health Organization has not yet declared human metapneumovirus a global emergency, but Sarawak will still take necessary actions in accordance with public health regulations.
He said that although human metapneumovirus and new coronavirus are different, their transmission patterns are similar.
He recalled the lessons learned from the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic and emphasized that basic measures to prevent the virus still apply, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks and avoiding travel to high-risk areas.
He specifically mentioned the establishment of the Sarawak Infectious Disease Center as a key move that can help Sarawak cope with possible disease outbreaks in the future.
In response to the recent development of the epidemic in China, he suggested that people planning to travel to China carefully consider their trip.
"Why risk infection if hospitals are full? You can choose to reschedule your holiday next year."
He also reminded that elderly people with weak immune systems and patients with chronic diseases should avoid going to public places and pay attention to protection.
He called on the public to be vigilant and develop good hygiene habits to protect the health of themselves and their families, while learning from the lessons learned from the COVID-19 epidemic.
"Whether it is human metapneumovirus, influenza virus or other infectious diseases, the key to epidemic prevention is always personal responsibility."