The outbreak of a new virus, Novel Corona Virus or nCoV which causes Pneumonia has killed four people in China recently. The virus has spread to over seven countries. According to health officials, no cases have been reported so far in Bhutan and is well prepared to stop the virus from entering Bhutan.
Besides, the Health Ministry has stepped up the National Surveillance system, issued a cautionary notification to the public and alerted all health workers in the country.
“The virus has reached several countries due to travellers. It is dangerous if one gets infected with the virus but it has not reached Bhutan. We don’t have reports about it. The Ministry is well prepared to avoid the virus from coming in. We have officials at the airport looking after the situation,” said Rixin Jamtsho, the Chief Program Officer for Department of Public Health.
As of now, the viral Pneumonia has spread to over seven countries with Thailand and Japan in the list as well. Cases meeting the criteria of the disease have also been reported in Singapore and as of now, the test results are awaited.
According to the health ministry, since the preparedness and actions for prevention and control of pneumonia has been stepped up in all the countries and China is trying their best to contain it at the earliest, the disease is not likely to reach Bhutan. However, the ministry is vigilant and prepared, just in case.
Health officials advise that people travelling by air should avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory infections. Moreover, anyone with travel history showing symptoms of pneumonia should visit a hospital immediately.
Tshering Dendup
