ABU DHABI // The capital's health authority has warned the public not to consume unpasteurised dairy or uncooked animal products as part of a Mers coronavirus awareness campaign.
Milk must be boiled to be pasteurised and meats should be well-cooked before consumption and separated from other food throughout the handling and preparation process, the Health Authority — Abu Dhabi said. Washing hands is essential while handling raw meat and preparing food, reported Al Ittihad, the Arabic-language sister newspaper of The National.
The authority published tips for Mers prevention on its website, urging the general public to always ensure hands are thoroughly washed using water and soap and hand sanitisers that contain disinfectants, especially after coughing or sneezing. It is also important to cover one’s mouth and nose.
One must also avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth to avoid contamination.
The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UAE that have recovered without medical intervention or treatment in hospitals reached 18, Al Ittihad reported.
The World Health Organisation recommended taking preventive measures while examining those infected, stressing on the need to isolate them.
The health authority urged those who suspect coronavirus symptoms to drink lots of fluids and get enough rest. Should symptoms persist and increase, they are urged to head to the nearest health facility.
The authority said the Mers incubation period is not precisely known and falls between 2 to 14 days, based on the current information and understanding of the virus. The authority also called upon physicians and health professionals to take standard precautions with all patients, regardless of the diagnosis.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
