No cases of Ebola have been reported in this country until today - Dr S. Subramaniam

Nine cases of people under investigation for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) reported to the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) until Oct 15, were negative for the disease.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam said they patients were from Western Africa, mainly from Nigeria who arrived in Malaysia with high fever.

"Diagnostic tests conducted on these patients found all cases were negative for Ebola. No cases of Ebola have been reported in this country until today," he told a news conference here today on the status of preparedness and response by the ministry in the event of an EVD outbreak in the country.

Dr Subramaniam said, health screening at entry points of the country especially at international airports such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), klia2, in Penang and Johor Baharu had been strengthened to detect people who have visited countries with Ebola infections.

He said 21 hospitals nationwide will receive referred cases of persons under investigation of Ebola, and for those positive with Ebola, will be treated at Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Queen Elizabeth Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching.

He said a team of doctors, nurses and supporting staff are undergoing training through a simulated exercise to prevent the possibility of the spread of Ebola into Malaysia.

He said matrons would also be given intensive training on use of personal protective clothing and protocols in dealing with patients suspected to have contracted Ebola.

"They will also have to ensure that doctors and nurses follow the protocols like in ensuring Ebola is not spread by the clothes worn by them.

He said these protocols were observed worldwide because the deadly disease can spread very easily.

"It it happens (Ebola cases), we are ready," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Subramaniam said Malaysia will continue to provide assistance to the countries affected by Ebola.

He said the matter had been raised in the cabinet and a decision will be announced soon.

Before this, Malaysia sent some 20.9 million medical gloves to five African nations, which have been affected by the deadly Ebola virus.