HIGHLIGHTS
∙ Coronavirus declared as global health emergency by WHO
∙ China first reported the outbreak in Wuhan on December 30, 2019
∙ The first case of coronavirus was reported in US
∙ India's first coronavirus infection was confirmed in Kerala
∙ Coronavirus affects the respiratory tract of the infected person
∙ The virus has been temporarily named “2019-nCoV”
Coronavirus is an umbrella term for viruses that cause illness which can range from a common cold to respiratory diseases. They get their name from their crown-like shape. This virus has been temporarily named “2019-nCoV.” A man in Illinois became the first case of person-to-person transmission of the virus in the US.
Coronavirus has originated from a seafood and animal market in China’s Wuhan city. According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) & China's National Health Commission, the number of confirmed cases so far is 7,734. As of January 31, there are now more than 8,235 cases and 171 deaths.
Symptoms:
The symptoms usually begin to appear in two to four days after being infected by the virus. Common signs of infection include:
-runny nose
-sore throat
-sneezing
-fatigue
-headache
-fever
-cough
-shortness of breath
Transmission:
It is believed that coronavirus is usually transmitted by the respiratory fluids of an infected person. But it also can be spread by coughing, sneezing and through close contact with an infected person or an object carrying the virus.
Vaccination & Treatment:
While there is no particular treatment for the coronavirus, recommended measures are similar to those for cold, such as rest and drinking a lot of fluid.
Outbreak in India:
India is placed at the 23rd place among "high-risk" countries where the virus can spread. Over 100 people have been kept under observation in Kerala and Maharashtra. On January 30, a student from Kerala, who was studying at Wuhan University in China, was confirmed positive for the coronavirus. The condition of the student is said to be stable.
Amidst the outbreak, Assam Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Pijush Hazarika informed that a medical team has been deployed at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has also urged the passengers who have a travel history to China since January 1, 2020, to come forward for self-reporting to the nearest health facility.
Preventive Measures:
-Wash your hands frequently with soap or use a hand sanitizer
-Disinfect the objects and surfaces around you
-Avoid being in crowded places and stay away from people who are sick
-Wear surgical masks to minimize the transmission of the virus through the air
-Try to avoid consuming meat and follow safe food handling practices
-Avoid any contact with farm or wild animals
-Maintain good personal hygiene
-If you have fever, cough or are experiencing difficulty in breathing, consult a doctor immediately
World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a range of interim guidance for all countries on how they can prepare for the virus, including how to monitor sick people, test samples, treat patients and communicate risks to the public.
Declaring coronavirus as a global health emergency on January 31, WHO has asked all countries to be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation, case management and prevention of 2019-nCov.