The number of deaths and infections from coronavirus is on the rise in China with no signs of a slowdown. The situation calls for speedy efforts for the prevention of coronavirus infection in Myanmar.
As the viral infection has been recorded mostly in Asia and the ASEAN countries, we should increase surveillance — which has played an important role in the prevention of coronavirus — at international airports and border gates.
The new coronavirus’s incubation period (the time it takes for people infected with the virus to start showing symptoms) is assumed to be about 14 days. Symptoms to watch for include fever, cough, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, body aches, sore throat, or vomiting and diarrhea.
Those who may have been exposed to the illness need to monitor themselves for 14 days. Hence, from the outbreak point of view, the incubation period can be considered crucial.
Though no infections have been reported yet in Myanmar, the health authorities and the general public must remain on the alert as the viral infection spreads quickly.
Those who have close contact with patients under medical supervision need to be monitored closely, too.
Meanwhile, we need to be wary of inaccurate information on social media about the coronavirus infection. We must take care to check facts with their original source and other official sources in China, and curb the spread of misinformation.
Although there are no coronavirus infections in Myanmar at present, we must not forget that the incubation period for the virus is about two weeks.
To prevent the respiratory viral infection, all suggestions are being welcomed, but the decision must come after all suggestions are considered. In case any patients who are being monitored currently test positive for the virus, we must be prepared to give effective treatment to them by learning about therapies being provided in China and other countries.
We must approach the prevention of the coronavirus infection from public health, epidemic, laboratory, and treatment points of view and consider the geographical situation with neighboring China and other ASEAN countries affected by the virus.
It is the duty of the health authorities, government departments, and people to make more efforts towards the prevention of the coronavirus infection.
GNLM
