Chinese girl recovers from coronavirus, discharged from hospital

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 -- A girl from China who was treated at Sultanah Maliha Hospital, Langkawi, Kedah for the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) was allowed to return home after recovering from the disease.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement tonight that the 2019-nCoV infection was treatable and that patients could recover completely, as had been reported in many cases in China.

"The 2019-nCoV repeat detection tests carried out on her twice have turned up negative. The child is now in good health and has been allowed to return home," he said in a statement on his official Facebook page.

He said it was not true that infection would certainly lead to death as many had thought.

The Ministry of Health wishes to congratulate Sultanah Maliha Hospital, Langkawi for providing intensive care and close monitoring of the girl which led to her recovery, he added.

On Jan 29, a case involving a Chinese girl was reported positive for 2019-nCoV infection and treated at the hospital's isolation ward.

Meanwhile, Kedah Youth and Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture and Entrepreneurship Development Committee chairman Mohd Asmirul Anuar Aris welcomed the news on the girl’s recovery, saying it would be a boost for tourism in Langkawi.

"The conditions in Langkawi are great for holiday activities and tourists do not have to worry about coming because the island is safe,” he said.

-- BERNAMA