COVID-19: Nine-year-old admitted and isolated

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Security officers check bags as passengers get ready to board their flight at the Nadi International Airport. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU/FILE

A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy was admitted and isolated at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).

According to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services whilst the patient’s symptoms make it unlikely that he has COVID-19, as a precautionary measure the patient has been admitted, and laboratory tests are being undertaken to determine the cause of his illness and rule out COVID-19.

The patient has a recent international travel history, transiting via Singapore en-route to Fiji.

Upon his and his family’s arrival in Nadi International Airport on 16 February 2020, the family was screened by the Ministry of Health team and cleared as none showed any symptoms of illness.

All other members of the family are currently well, however have been instructed to remain at home until laboratory results are available.

In addition, all precautionary public health measures have been taken to ensure that the patient is provided appropriate care, whilst reducing the risk of potential exposure to the virus, if it is confirmed.

As the symptoms of COVID-19 are very similar to many other respiratory illnesses (including colds and influenza) it is expected that with time the Ministry will investigate more persons with relevant travel history and symptoms related to COVID-19.

This should not alarm the public, but be an indication of the high level of alertness and precautionary approach the Ministry is taking in response to this global outbreak.

The Ministry will provide an update to the public once laboratory test results become available.

Meanwhile the Ministry advised there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fiji.

 

 

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