No confirmed cases of a novel coronavirus in Assam

* Nearly 300 passengers have undergone medical tests

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam has so far screened nearly 300 passengers to check suspected cases of a novel coronavirus, which has so far claimed over 1,600 lives in China.

An official in the State Health Department said nobody has been found infected by the virus. “Two persons, one in Guwahati and another in Nagaon, were admitted to hospitals with symptoms but tests for coronavirus infection proved negative,” he said.

Passengers who returned from China, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand are being quarantined at home. “They have been asked to live separately and report immediately if they develop any symptom of novel coronavirus,” the official said.

During quarantine at home, a person is kept under observation up to 28 days. “They are asked to remain in homes, live separately, maintain hygiene and minimum contact with people,” he said.

Even though Assam had to send samples to Pune earlier to test for coronavirus earlier, the microbiology department of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital is now equipped to carry out tests. It takes around 24 hours to conduct the test.

While the district hospitals have been asked to keep two beds, the six medical colleges are keeping five beds in isolation ward as a precautionary measure against coronavirus.

According to the World Health Organisation, common signs of novel coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

WHO’s standard recommendations to prevent spreading of infection include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. It advises people to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

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