New cluster detected in Kedah with 9 positive cases

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

PUTRAJAYA: The health ministry has identified a new Covid-19 cluster in Tawar, Kedah.

At a press conference, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the cluster involves nine positive cases.

The index case is a Malaysian businessman who attended a memorial service for a recently deceased family member.

The man experienced chest pains and symptoms of fever on Aug 8, seven days after the memorial service. He sought immediate medical attention and was tested for Covid-19 on Aug 9 and reported positive two days later.

Following this, Noor Hisham said, active case detection and screening of close contacts were carried out.

As of today, 86 close contacts of the man have been identified. Of the total, nine – all family members – tested positive for Covid-19.

Twenty-one tested negative and another 56 are still waiting for test results.

Noor Hisham said the health ministry is investigating the cause of the spread and whether it is related to the Sivangangga cluster.

“We are carrying out risk assessment. Further action taken will depend on the risks identified in the area,” he said. - FMT