Coronavirus - What you need to know
On January 7th, 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed that they had identified a new virus, which is believed to have originated from Wuhan, China. The new virus is a coronavirus, which is a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). This new virus was temporarily named “2019-nCoV.”
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Symptoms can include fever, followed by a dry cough, and then, after a week, leads to shortness of breath and some patients needing hospital treatment. Other symptoms can include sneezing, headaches, and possible kidney failure.
Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by 2019-nCov in Wuhan, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal markets, also known as "wet markets."
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through: the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands and rarely, fecal contamination.
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your recent travel or close contact.
The CDC is closely monitoring this situation and is working with WHO and state and local public health partners to respond to this emerging public health threat. Patients with 2019-nCoV infection, are presenting with a wide range of symptoms. Most seem to have mild disease, and about 20% appear to progress to severe disease, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, and in some cases death.
On January 27th, 2020 CDC issued updated travel guidance for China, recommending that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to all of the country (Level 3 Travel Health Notice).
CDC and the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) are continuing to conduct enhanced entry screening of passengers who have been in Wuhan within the past 14 days at 5 designated U.S. airports.
The commercial airline industry has been instructed by the CDC to report travelers with specific symptoms arriving from China, which includes a fever (of 100.4°F [38° C] or higher) that has persisted for more than 48 hours; or fever and one of the following: persistent cough, difficulty breathing and unwell appearance.
If necessary, CDC staff will coordinate transport to a health care facility for medical evaluation and testing. CDC will update the airline about the results of the testing and any need for follow-up of exposed crew members or passengers
As of February 6th, 2020, 28,335 cases have been confirmed globally with 28,335 of these cases confirmed in mainland China. WHO has now categorized China as "Very High" risk, while the outbreak is classified as being a "High" risk at the regional and global level?
A total of 565 people (February 6th, 2020) so far have died following infection with the novel coronavirus; with the first death outside of China reported in the Philippines. It has also been reported that 1,262 people have so far recovered from this coronavirus.
Thousands of patients have been infected with the virus across China, with central Hubei province being the worst-affected. Restrictions on travel are affecting at least 20 million people across 10 cities - including the capital Wuhan. The Chinese government has also closed a number of temples, the Forbidden City, and part of the Great Wall.
According to real-time data from John Hopkins University as of 9:00am (GMT) February 6th, 2020, the latest figures on the novel coronavirus are as follows:
28,335 cases confirmed globally with 28,076 of these cases confirmed in mainland China.
565 confirmed deaths, with the first death outside of China reported in the Philippines.
1,262 patients of the virus have been reported as having recovered fully.
The virus has now been confirmed in 27 countries and territories outside of China.2
Of these confirmed cases, World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that 3,219 of these cases have been classified as 'severe' on February 5th. Due to the increased transmission of this virus, the WHO has undertaken risk assessments which have concluded that China is now classified as "Very High" risk, while the threat of the virus has been established as a "High" risk at the regional and global level. December 31st, 2019 WHO was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. The virus did not match any other known virus.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. This new strain of coronavirus has been officially referred to as the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
WHO has been working with Chinese authorities and global experts from the day they were informed, to learn more about the virus, how it affects the people who are sick with it, how they can be treated, and what countries can do to respond.
Signs and Symptoms of Coronaviruses
Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include:
Runny nose
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Fever
A general feeling of being unwell
Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.
What you need to know
Coronavirus - Transmission and
Treatment
2019-nCoV is a beta coronavirus, like MERS and SARs, all of which have their origins in bats.
Chinese authorities have successfully sequenced the genome of the virus allowing for effective detection. The US CDC confirmed the same genome in the first two cases in the US.
Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by 2019-nCov in Wuhan, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market (also known as "wet markets"), suggesting that the initial spread of the virus was animal-to-person.
Subsequently, it has become clear that human-to-human contact is able to spread the virus.
The complete clinical picture with regard to 2019-nCoV is still not fully clear. Reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
How does the Novel Coronavirus spread
from Person-to-Person?
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
The air by coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
Rarely, fecal contamination
When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. The spread of SARS and MERS between people has generally occurred between close contacts. 2
It’s important to note that how easily a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.
Should you be tested for the Novel
Coronavirus (2019-nC0V)?
US CDC guidelines state: "If you develop a fever* and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your recent travel or close contact. If you have had close contact** with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel."
* Fever may not be present in some patients, such as those who are very young, elderly, immunosuppressed, or taking certain fever-lowering medications. Clinical judgment should be used to guide testing of patients in such situations.
** Close contact is defined as:
being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters), or within the room or care area, of a novel coronavirus case for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment ;
close contact can include caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a novel coronavirus case.– or –
Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a novel coronavirus case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment.
Treatment
According to the US CDC, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the novel coronavirus infection. People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. People who think they may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
What happens in the hospital?
Those who get admitted to the hospital are given treatment for their symptoms while their immune systems try to fight the virus off. Hospitalization also serves to isolate patients and stop the virus from spreading.
In severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia - an inflammation of the lungs. In those cases, breathing may need to be supported. Patients are given oxygen and in the worst cases may be put on a ventilator. About one in four cases are thought to be severe.
In milder cases, patients struggling to maintain blood pressure can be given an intravenous drip. Fluids can also be given in cases of diarrhea, and ibuprofen is also available for pain relief.
How the Coronavirus has spread in
China
Thousands of patients have been infected with the virus across China, with central Hubei province being the worst-affected. Restrictions on travel are affecting at least 20 million people across 10 cities - including the capital Wuhan, where the virus emerged.
In a bid to tackle the increased demand for medical services, the authorities are building two makeshift hospitals, one with 1,000 beds and another with a capacity of 1,500 beds. People have been asked to wear face masks in public places.
The Chinese government has also closed a number of temples, the Forbidden City and part of the Great Wall.
Locations with Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus
China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Vietnam
Singapore, Australia Malaysia, Cambodia
Philippines, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka
India, USCanada, France
Finland, Germany, Italy, Russian Federation
Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates
Taiwan, Macau, Belgium, and Hong Kong
Other Recent Developments
Scientists in Australia have become the first to recreate the new coronavirus outside of China in what they have called a "significant breakthrough". The discovery will be shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the hope it may help efforts to diagnose and treat the virus.
Scientists in China have also recreated the virus and shared its genome sequence.
Chinese authorities have said the virus-like a normal flu - is able to spread during its incubation period. According to the WHO, the incubation period can range from two to 10 days, however, WHO said it remains unclear whether it is contagious before symptoms appear.
A number of airlines have canceled all flights to China.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Misusing said Thursday that Russia would be closing its land border with China from Friday until at least March 1st. Singapore banned the entry and transfer of travelers holding passports issued by China’s Hubei province from Wednesday onwards. Mongolia’s official news agency has said the country closed border crossings with China on Monday, according to the AP.
Coronavirus - International Response
Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including whether and how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccine or treatment medications). 1
The World Health Organization coordinates global responses in these cases. Established in 1948, it is the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system
CDC’s Interim Recommendations for the
Commercial Airline Industry
The CDC has instructed airlines to report travelers with specific symptoms arriving from China.
The criteria for reporting a suspected case of novel coronavirus includes travelers arriving from China with:
Fever (person feels warm to the touch, gives a history of feeling feverish, or has an actual measured temperature of 100.4°F [38° C] or higher) that has persisted for more than 48 hours; OR
Fever and one of the following:
Persistent cough
Difficulty breathing
Appears obviously unwell
After arrival, a health assessment of the sick traveler’s symptoms and possible exposures will be carried out, CDC will update the airline about the results of the testing and any need for follow-up of exposed crew members or passengers
Protect Yourself and Others from Getting Sick
The World Health Organization's (WHO) standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows:
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough.
If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of a novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk, or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
Protect Yourself and Others from
Getting Sick
The World Health Organization's (WHO) standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows:
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough.
If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of a novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk, or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
Guidelines on When to Wash your Hands
According to the WHO3, the general public is advised to wash their hands in the following circumstances:
After coughing or sneezing.
When caring for the sick.
Before, during, and after you prepare food.
Before eating.
After toilet use.
When hands are visibly dirty.
After handling animals or animal waste.
To wash your hands correctly, please ensure to wash your hands with soap and running water when hands are visibly dirty. If your hands are not visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.
Guidelines on How to Protect Others
from Getting Sick
When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue paper.
Throw tissue into the closed bin after use immediately after use.
Clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water after coughing or sneezing and when caring for the sick
Avoid close contact when you are experiencing cough and fever.
Avoid unprotected contact with live farm or wild animals
Practicing Food Safety
The WHO1 has provided the following guidelines on how to practice food safety effectively:
Use different chopping boards and knives for raw meat and cooked foods.
Wash your hands between handling raw and cooked food.
Sick animals and animals that have died of diseases should not be eaten.
Even in areas experiencing outbreaks, meat products can be safely consumed if these items are cooked thoroughly and properly handled during food preparation
Shopping in Wet Markets in China and
southeast Asia
Specific guidelines on shopping in wet markets in China and South east Asia
Wash hands with soap and water after touching animals and animal products.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid contact with stray animals, waste and fluids in the market.
Working in Wet Markets in China and
Southeast Asia
Specific guidelines on working in wet markets in China and Southeast Asia.
Wear protective gowns, gloves and facial protection while handling animals and animal products.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid contact with stray animals, waste and fluids in market.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water after touching animal and animal products.
Disinfect equipment and working area at least once a day.
Guidelines for International Travel
The current outbreak originated in Wuhan city, which is a major domestic and international transport hub. Given the large population movements and the observed human-to-human transmission, it is not unexpected that new confirmed cases will continue to appear in other areas and countries.
With the information currently available for the novel coronavirus, WHO advises that measures to limit the risk of exportation or importation of the disease should be implemented, without unnecessary restrictions of international traffic?
Guidelines on How to Stay Healthy
while Travelling
WHO has issued the following guidelines how to stay healthy while traveling, in order, to help avoid being infected or spreading the coronavirus.
Avoid travel if you have a fever and cough.
If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider.
Avoid close contact with people suffering from a fever and cough.
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue - throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.
If you choose to wear a face mask, be sure to cover your mouth and nose - avoid touching the mask once its on.
Immediately discard single-use masks after each use and wash hands after removing masks.
If you become sick while traveling. Inform crew and seek medical care early.
If you seek medical attention, share travel history with your health care provider.
Eat only well-cooked food.
It is also important to avoid spitting in public and avoid close contact and travel with animals that are sick.
The World Health Organization's (WHO)
standard recommendations
The World Health Organization's (WHO) standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows:
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately in a closed bin and wash hands.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough.
If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices
Avoid unprotected contact with wild or farm animals.
According to the WHO, the general public are advised to wash your hands in the following circumstances:
After coughing or sneezing.
When caring for the sick.
Before, during and after you prepare food, as well as before eating.
After toilet use and when hands are visibly dirty.
After handling animals or animal waste.
The WHO has also issued the following guidelines how to stay healthy while travelling, in order, to help avoid being infected or spreading the novel coronavirus.
Avoid travel if you have a fever and cough. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider.
Avoid close contact with people suffering from a fever and cough. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue - throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.
If you choose to wear a face mask, be sure to cover your mouth and nose - avoid touching the mask once it's on.
If you become sick while traveling. Inform crew and seek medical care early. If you seek medical attention, share your travel history with your health care provider.
Dr. Sujeewa Weerasinghe,
National Organizer of Chartered Association of Physiotherapists of Sri Lanka,
The vice president of World Disability and Rehabilitation Professionals Association
International Certificate in Coronavirus
No comments:
Thank you very for your feedback