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Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019, or better known as the COVID-19, has caused a global pandemic and high death rate worldwide. Following the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, the government had enforced Movement Control Order (MCO) started from 18 March 2020 and the restrictions were conducted and reviewed in several phases. The MCO also involved schools closure and commencement of online learning. This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among students in selected boarding schools in Malaysia. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done in July to September 2020 using a set of questionnaire that was distributed via Google form. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science 22. Results: A total of 365 students participated in this study. The respondents comprised of 54.2% female and 45.8% male students. The study found that they have moderate knowledge on COVID-19 while their attitude and practice were high. The study found a significant association between the knowledge and practice scores and between the attitude and practice scores of the respondents. [r = 0.389, p < 0.05] regarding COVID-19 However, there was no significant association between the knowledge and attitude scores. Conclusions: This study concluded that students' practice regarding COVID-19 was influenced by their attitude on health care to prevent COVID-19 infection. Therefore, changing their attitude and increasing the students knowledge are necessary to improve their practices regarding COVID-19 preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gargling had been reported to have significant roles in the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of regular gargling to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in the oropharynx and nasopharynx. Methodology: This pilot, open labeled, randomized, parallel study compared the effect of 30 seconds, 3 times/day gargling using 1% povidone-iodine (PVP-I), essential oils and tap water on SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance among COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. Progress was monitored by day 4,6 and 12 PCR (Ct value), gargling and symptoms diary as well as clinical observations. Results: Five confirmed Stage 1 COVID-19 patients were recruited for each arm. The age range was from 22 to 56 years old. The majority were males. Two respondents had co-morbidities, which were asthma and obesity. Viral clearance was achieved at day 6 in 100%, 80%, 20% and 0% for 1% PVP-I, essential oils, tap water and control group respectively. Analysis of 1% PVP-I group versus control group showed significant p-value for comparison of PCR results on Day 4, Day 6 and Day 12. Conclusions: This preliminary study showed that gargling with 1% PVP-I and essential oils show great potential to be part of the treatment and management of Stage 1 COVID-19. Larger studies are required to ascertain the benefit of gargling for different stages of COVID-19 patients. This study was registered in clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04410159). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease caused by a novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In Malaysia, first few cases of COVID-19 were detected in January 2020, among Chinese nationals and the cases keep increasing day by day. Methods: This self-administered web based cross sectional study using Google forms was conducted among 400 Malaysian adults to explore their level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19, as well as factors associated with the variables. Descriptive and binary logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 22. Results: Knowledge and practice among Malaysian adults towards COVID-19 were low. Gender (p = 0.030, OR:0.616, 95% CI 0.398-0.955) and occupation (p = 0.002, OR:2.489, 95% CI 1.485-4.172) were found as significant predictors of practice towards COVID-19. Conclusions: In conclusion, proper mass public health messages should be conducted by the higher authorities to improve knowledge and practice towards COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leptospirosis cases are typically rodent-sourced. Domestic animals like cattle and dogs are also known to be carriers of Leptospira but are rarely implicated in human cases. Case Presentation: In this case, a parasitology researcher who dissected dogs presented with atypical leptospirosis which had high possibility to be canine-sourced. Conclusion: Leptospirosis must be suspected in febrile patients with canine bodily fluid exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]