BY DRAXON MALOYA.
Health officials have refuted social media speculations claiming that the country has started recording patients diagnosed with the infamous Coronavirus.
The fake news have been creating unnecessary tension among many Malawians who expressed fear with the already insufficient health care services government is said to be providing in many healthcare facilities across the country.
In a press release signed by the Director of Health and Social Services at the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO), Dr.D. Kwalazira said there is no any Coronavirus case that has been recorded in the district.
And here below is the communique released by the health office and it reads as follows
‘Public information on the COVID 19 Suspect in Blantyre’.
Blantyre DHO wishes to inform the general public that there is NO corona virus case confirmed in the district.
As parts of diease surveillaince, the DHO has been screening all people coming from Covid19 hotsposts for possible signs and symptoms. All suspected cases have been put under isolation for possible obervation until when we are sure that the suspect is okay.
This has been happening since the beginning of the outbreak.
Similary, a 21 year old lady coming from China arrived in Malawi on Saturday the 7th March 2020.
On Sunday she presented with chest tightness and difficult breathing for one day but had no cough, no sneezing and no fever.
The suspect has similar signs and symptoms while in China and was disgnosed as Panic attach and was reassured that it is not COVID19. Serial temperatures were taken while in China and was normal for 2 weeks.
As part of follow up to all the people coming from these countries, they are given contact details for DHO medical staff for use incase of emergency.
The lady went to Mwaiwathu on Sunday the 8th March due to the chest tightness and upon arrival, her mother called one of DHO medical staff who advised them not to alight the vehicle.
The suspect was later taken for Isolation at the quarantine for further investigation.Take note that the preliminary investigation done so far does NOT point towards Corona virus.
Also take note that all people coming from these countries and are not showing any signs and symptoms are advised on self quarantine.
The office will continue with close follow up on all people coming from affected countries and will keep you updated on the test results for the suspect and further actions.
*Dr G. Kawalazira
Director of Health and Social Services-Blantyre DHO*
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