1. The Ministry of Health and Sports is continuously conducting surveillance on COVID-19 acute respiratory disease at international entry/exit gates, in hospital-based and community-based processes, and in collaboration with private hospitals.
2. There are 13 new quarantined patients under surveillance in respective hospitals between 6 pm, 17-3-2020, to 6 pm, 18-3-2020. Their lab samples have been sent to the National Health Laboratory (Yangon).
3. The lab results of 8 of the aforementioned patients were released between 6 am to 6 pm on 18 March and show they do not have COVID-19.
4. Between 17 to 18 March 2020, six Myanmar nationals returned from Italy, a Myanmar national returned from Spain and another returned from France. The eight Myanmar nationals have exhibited no signs of high fever or acute respiratory symptoms, or have been in close contact with confirmed patients with COVID-19. However, due their travel history in countries where the virus’ infection rate is high, they are being quarantined at hospitals for 14 days under surveillance.
5. Thirteen quarantined patients are still waiting for their lab results, as of 6 pm on 18-3-2020, while receiving medical care at hospitals.
6. There have been three patient deaths, with causes unrelated to COVID-19, between 17 to 18 March 2020:
(a) A 9-month-old infant in Myothit Township, Magway Region, began vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, fever and dozing off. The infant was treated at an external clinic but was later taken to Taungtwingyi Township General Hospital on 17-3-2020 after showing no signs of recovery.
The infant was admitted to Magway General Hospital at 3:50 pm on the same day and a lab specimen was sent to NHL (Yangon). The infant passed away around 10:00 pm on 17-3-2020. A preliminary examination suggests the infant may have passed away from diarrhea, extreme dehydration from late treatment, and low blood pressure.
(b) A 30-year-old man from Mongphyat Township, Shan State (East), was under quarantine at Kengtung Township General Hospital experienced fever and coughing accompanied by blood from 10-3-2020 and was admitted as an inpatient on 14-3-2020.
The patient passed away at 9:30 pm on 17-3-2020 and a preliminary examination and medical diagnosis show the causes of death as his chronic enlarged heart condition, hyperglycemia hypokalemia, and negative consequences from pneumonia.
(c) A 40-year-old man from Mingaladon Township, Yangon Region, experienced fever, coughing and difficulty breathing on 12-3-2020 and was admitted to North Okkalapa Training and General Hospital on 17-3-2020, but passed away at 9:30 pm on the same day.
The patient has Down’s Syndrome and preliminary examination show the causes of death as having an abnormally high white blood cell count and pneumonia. His lab result on 18-3-2020 says he did not have COVID-2019.
The lab results of the other two patients who have passed away and related information will be made public in real time.
7. As of 18-3-2020, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Myanmar, nonetheless, surveillance activities are actively in progress. COVID-19 is currently spread across neighboring China and 159 countries around the world. WHO recently declared the virus a pandemic and the general public is advised to closely follow the healthcare guidelines published by the Ministry of Health and Sports.
Ministry of Health and Sports
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Photo: MNA
Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar