The Superintendence of Public Health has issued an update on the novel coronavirus.

In a statement it said that is is monitoring the situation of the clusters of pneumonia detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and is following the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

To date human infections in China as well as exported cases in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, France, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Nepal, Vietnam and the United States have been confirmed.

The outbreak in Wuhan has initially been linked to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting a possible zoonotic origin to the outbreak.

The Health Superintendence said that, so far, the source of infection remains unknown and can therefore still be active, which could lead to further cases being detected. The outbreak investigations are on-going and in this rapidly evolving context.

It said that Malta is taking the necessary precautions in relations to coronavirus, through various actions:

A coordinating team for national response has been set up and is being led by the Superintendence of Public Health. There is constant communication with WHO, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the EU Health Security Committee.

Surveillance and preparedness for case finding enhanced, communication with media, advice to clinicians and traveller’s advice.

The Superintendence explained that Mater Dei Hospital and Primary Care Organising are preparing laboratory testing via coordination with labs abroad and local testing, infection control measures and preparedness at hospital level should there be a suspected case

It advised that travellers should: Avoid visiting wet markets or places where live or dead animals are handled. Avoid contact with sick persons, in particular with respiratory symptoms. Adhere to good hand and food hygiene. Avoid contact with animals, their excretions or droppings.

Travellers with acute respiratory symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, cough or sore throat) within 14 days of visiting Wuhan are advised to contact their doctor and indicate their travel history to Wuhan and contact the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit on 21324086.

In addition, due to the currently high activity of the seasonal influenza epidemic in China, travellers should receive seasonal influenza vaccination at least two weeks prior to travel to prevent severe disease.

No travel restrictions recommended as yet as per WHO advice.

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