ANOTHER person tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Malaysia has recovered after undergoing treatment for more than two weeks, the second patient to do so.

Director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the unnamed patient was the fourth case in Malaysia, and had been quarantined on January 24 and treated at Permai Hospital in Johor Baru after tests returned positive for the virus, Noor Hisham said in a posting on his official Facebook page.

After 15 days of treatment and tests, the patient was given a clean bill of health and allowed to return home, he said.

This brings the total number of current patients nationwide to 15 as of this evening.

On February 5, a girl who had been hospitalised in Langkawi became the first patient in Malaysia to have successfully recovered from the virus.

Elaborating on the today’s case, Noor Hisham said the patient’s condition had worsened on the second day of isolation.

The patient was admitted after being diagnosed with high fever and pneumonia.

“The patient’s condition worsened on the second day to the point oxygen was needed to aid in breathing.

“X-rays on the fourth day showed that the infection had spread and had become worse.”

Hospital staff then started off-label treatment of the patient with Kaletra anti-viral drugs on January 28.

“After eight days, the patient’s condition improved and eventually made a full recovery.”

After testing negative for the virus three times today, the patient was discharged and allowed to return home.

Noor Hisham congratulated the medical team led by infectious disease specialist Dr Masliza Zaid for their efforts. – February 8, 2020.