Melaka records puzzling 'sporadic' Covid-19 case

MELAKA: A Covid-19 case was detected in Tanjung Kling here, yesterday.

The patient – categorised as a "sporadic case" – has had no close contact with Covid-19 patients, and no recent travel history outside of the state.

State Health and Anti-Drugs Exco member Rahmad Mariman said the case is under investigation by the Melaka State Health Department (JKNM) to identify the cause of the infection.

"A sporadic case is a person who does not have any travel history, or has not come into contact with an infected person, but tests positive for Covid-19.

"JKNM is currently investigating the case closely, but as of now, the cause of the infection is still unknown," he said through WhatsApp here, today.

JKNM has conducted health screening on all close contacts of the patient, he said.

To prevent the spread of sporadic cases, Rahmad reminded the public to always follow guidelines given by the Health Ministry and to maintain physical distancing of at least one metre.

Meanwhile, JKNM said in a statement today that the infection is one of seven active cases of Covid-19 in the state, not including a new case in Bukit Katil involving an individual who returned from a high-risk area.

Merlimau recorded two new cases of patients who had also visited high-risk areas; one case was recorded in Masjid Tanah; one pre-surgery case was detected in Ramuan Cina Kecil; and one case was recorded in Sungai Baru Ulu.

No new deaths were recorded in the state, keeping the death toll at five; while 257 recovered cases were registered as of yesterday.