PUTRAJAYA: Seventy-four people have been identified for having contacts with the first Malaysian case of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) based on contact tracing.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said out of the 74 close contacts identified, samples had been taken from 35 of them.
“These people (close contacts) will be monitored at home immediately,” he said at a media briefing here today.
The Health Ministry yesterday reported that a 41-year-old man from Selangor became the first Malaysian to be infected by the 2019-nCoV.
It was reported that he was in Singapore for a conference with international delegates, including those from China.
Dzulkefly said identification through contact tracing was ongoing and the public will be updated from time to time.
He said staff from the Health Ministry will monitor those currently told to stay at home.
“If they develop any symptoms (consistent with the viral infection) or are tested positive (for infection), they will be admitted to the hospital immediately,” he said.
On whether the government would disclose the travel history of an infected person like what is being done in Singapore, Dzulkefly said the ministry’s contact tracing was thorough.
He elaborated that the ministry was aware of the exact whereabouts of the first Malaysian who was infected after coming back from Singapore, including his travel to Sungai Petani.
“Any decision to reveal (a person’s travel history) depends on how important the case is, and the great effect it would have on the public.
“We have been transparent from day one and will continue to do so through a systematic procedure,” he said. - Bernama