National Health Institute (INS) head Omar Trujillo on Wednesday reported that, so far, no coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Peru.
Trujillo explained that, today, INS —an institution within the Ministry of Health (Minsa)— received 37 samples from different regions across the country for novel coronavirus testing, and they all tested negative.
The sample collection is free of charge for patients suspected of having contracted the virus. However, they are obliged to provide their personal data to fill in a medical form.
Symptoms
According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Prevention
Minsa recommends that people should take the following preventive measures:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your forearm or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
(END) RRC/RMB
Published: 2/26/2020