First 2 COVID-19 cases detected in Myanmar

A shopping center in Yangon is flooded with buyers after the Ministry of Health and Sports announced the detection of virus. Eleven Media/Asia News Network

YANGON — Two persons who returned from the U.S and the UK tested positive for the COVID-19 on 23 March, according to a statement by the Ministry of Health and Sports.

A 36-year-old Green Card holder, arrived back in Myanmar from the U.S on 13 March. He met the doctor at a clinic at Teedim of Chin State on 19 March as he felt sick. On 21 March, the clinic referred him to Teedim Township Hospital. The patient showed no symptom of acute respiratory distress syndrome. He tested positive for virus and is put in isolation at Teedim Township Hospital. Now he is getting better and has no fever and symptom.

On 22 March, a 26-year old man arrived back at Yangon International Airport from UK. The Ministry of Health and Sports sent him to the Public Health Training School in Hlegu Township, for quarantine. On the evening of 22 March, he was transferred to a monastery in Hmawbi Township  for quarantine. He tested positive for virus though he had no fever and showed no symptom of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Now he is put in isolation at Waibargi Specialist Hospital in Yangon.

The ministry is tracking the persons who had close contacts with the two patients for quarantine.

The ministry conducted the laboratory tests systematically. In order to seek the WHO’s confirmation, the ministry will send their samples to the WHO-recognized laboratory on 24 March.

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For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

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