Coronavirus outbreak : Health Directorate rebuffs ‘rumour’ Manipur, Myanmar step up screening along border

Guwahati, Jan 29
In view of the recent coronavirus outbreak in mainland China which may result in the infiltration of the virus across borders, the Manipur Government and the Myanmar Government have stepped up the screening of visitors at airports and check posts.
The Manipur Health Department had deployed medical officers at Indo-Myanmar border towns of Moreh and Behiang to screen any person -- both foreigners and Indians -- coming to India after travelling from China and adjacent countries for coronavirus-like symptoms.
Meanwhile, the Myanmar Government has also passed an order to conduct the screening of travellers for coronavirus-like symptoms at all the bordering State's entrance and check posts.
Following the order, three teams comprising one doctor, one female nurse and one male nurse of Tamu district hospital under Myanmar Medical Department started the screening process using Infrared Thermometer at Indo-Myanmar Friendship gate number 1 and 2.
The death toll from a new coronavirus in China rose sharply to 132 on Wednesday with nearly 1,500 new cases, as Japan said it flew citizens out of the central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.
At the same time, several people across India, who are suspected of being affected by the coronavirus, have been kept under observation even as the State Governments have taken precautions to combat the issue.
India Today
Health directorate rebuffs ‘rumour’
IMPHAL, Jan 29: Rebuffing the ‘rumours’ that Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has reached Manipur, Health and Family Welfare Director Dr RK Rajo has clarified that the patient, who reportedly came to RIMS for treatment, is not yet confirmed for the virus which has caused a global panic.
He further explained that not a single case has been confirmed in the country by WHO, let alone Manipur.
Replying to a query by media persons on the sideline of the capping and lamp lighting ceremony for the 2019-20 nursing batch of School of ANM/FHM Medical Directorate held at Sanakeithel today, Dr RK Rajo informed that yesterday, a woman from Imphal West who visited Hong Kong recently, came to RIMS showing symptoms like headache, throat pain, fever etc.
After being checked by RIMS authorities, it was decided that she can return home. The doctors also prescribed her some medicines. However, it is not yet confirmed that she is infected with the virus and the authorities are observing the situation intently, he said.
Informing that the woman's condition has slightly improved today, Dr Rajo said that the patient will still stay under supervision for 28 days.
Even though there are suspected cases in the country, none has been confirmed by WHO yet, he stressed.
The Health and Family Welfare Director explained that Wuhan in China is the epicentre of the virus outbreak and from there it spread to countries like Japan, France, Germany, USA, Thailand etc at an alarming rate.
Globally, there are 5794 suspected cases, with 2798 confirmed cases. The death toll has also climbed to 132 as of now, he said.
In 2003, China was hit by an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome of SARS.
Around 8000 people were affected and out of that, around 10 percent perished. Then in 2012, an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) occurred at Saudi Arabia which infected more than 2000 people. Its mortality rate was around 34.5 percent.
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was detected in December last year. Little is known about the virus and as the structure of the virus is different from other coronavirus, scientists are working hard to understand this virus, Dr K Rajo explained.
He continued that the syndrome of 2019-nCoV include runny nose, throat pain, difficulty in breathing, coughing, fever etc.
The virus is dangerous for children, elderlies, pregnant women, those with low immunity as well as people suffering from other ailments like TB, kidney diseases, liver diseases or other chronic diseases.
Stressing on the importance of strengthening one's immune system, the Director further laid down other preventive measures like properly washing hands, maintaining proper hygiene and following preventive and infection control measures in the hospitals as well.
He also explained that if an individual is suspected to be infected with the virus, he or she needs to be isolated and treated, minimising contact with other individuals.
Since January 18, many outsiders coming to Manipur are being thermally screened at the airport. Their details and travel history are being recorded. The CMOs concerned have also been directed to conduct such screenings at entry points like Moreh, Mao, Senapati, Behiang, Jiribam etc, he added.
Orders have also been issued directing health workers to immediately measure the temperature of anybody who develop fever and to keep them under observation for a period of 28 days, Rajo added.
The Health and Family Welfare Director claimed that protective masks, personal protective equipment etc are kept on the ready and added that there are still no vaccines or cure for 2019-nCoV.
He said that 8 beds have been kept at RIMS in case it reaches Manipur. Ventilators and doctors have been prepared.
Necessary information has also been sent to JNIMS although a response is to be received, he concluded.
On the other hand, around 30 students took part in the ceremony today.
Dy Nursing Director of the Directorate, Lalbiekmoi and Principal, School of ANM/FHW Th Radheshyam Devi were also present as well.