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In December 2019, there was a cluster of pneumonia cases detected in China. Investigations found that these were caused by a mystery virus, now named as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov), which is a large group of viruses.
There are different types of Coronaviruses that cause respiratory (common cold, pneumonia) or gastrointestinal symptoms. However, some of these can lead to severe diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS - CoV), first identified in China in 2003 and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS - CoV), first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
The 2019-nCov was observed in a group of people with pneumonia who had been associated with seafood and live animal market in the city of Wuhan, China. Since then, the disease has spread like a bat out of hell. At first, the virus spread to family members of the infected people and healthcare workers within China, and then it started spreading to other countries. Subsequently, the WHO Director-General declared the outbreak of novel Coronavirus 2019 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 11 February 2020, basis the suggestion of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005). It is noteworthy that Coronaviruses are zoonotic in nature, implying that they can be transmitted between animals and humans. As of now, the exact origin of 2019-nCov remains unknown.
Source: World Health Organisation (WHO)
New cases are being reported globally, and 2019-nCov is moving towards pandemic levels. However, in some areas like China that were initially affected, the situation is stabilising, and people are starting to return to normality.
Although the exact dynamics of how the virus is Transmitted is yet to be determined, the respiratory viruses are transmitted through droplets. People most at risk include those having close contact with animals like live animal market workers, and hospital staff/family members caring for people infected with the virus. The Symptoms can be subtle like mild fever to severe that can lead to kidney failure, pneumonia, and even death. China has been able to quantify the mortality rate yet.
The 2019-nCov can be Diagnosed through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) which identifies the virus based on its genetic fingerprint.
Currently, there are no Specific Medication/Vaccines for the virus that requires a lot of supportive care, which makes it imperative for the general population to take Preventive Measures.
The Coronavirus has spread to around 34 more countries so far, that has prompted border closures and health emergencies. As per the Worldometer, approximately 83,733 Coronavirus cases have been detected to date with the death toll reaching at 2,859. Of these, a total of 78,832 cases have been identified in China alone, 2,337 in South Korea and the remaining across Italy, Iran, Japan, Hong Kong, the United States and many other countries.
Presently, around 36,780 people around the world have recovered after being infected.
All the countries are actively monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak. Hong Kong is one of the cities that have been successfully able to prevent a fast outbreak of the virus due to the effectiveness of its precautionary measures like the closing of schools and having large numbers of residents work at home to increase social distancing. Besides, the Hong Kong government had also announced a major economic relief package to protect the citizens and the economy from the consequences of the virus and other issues going on within the city.
Also Read: Coronavirus Takes a Toll on Global Markets, Investors abandoning risky growth stocks amid COVID-19 fears
Let’s talk about how the Different Levels of Stakeholders Can Establish and Practice Precautions to stay safe at the backdrop of the outbreak of the new Coronavirus.
As per WHO’s recommendations for the Central governments, the authorities should be prepared for containment, including consistent surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, tracing of contact as well as prevention for the further spread of 2019-nCoV infection. The organisation also added that the countries must share full international traffic data with WHO. In accordance with their obligations under Article 43 of the International Health Regulations (2005), States Parties must also inform WHO about additional health measures that significantly interfere with international travel traffic. For extensive and updates information, one can stay updated to the WHO website.
According to WHO, some of the standard hygiene practices that can be adopted at an Individual Level too include:
- Covering one’s mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing with a medical mask, tissue or flexed elbow.
- Avoiding contact with those who are unwell.
- Appropriate use of masks and personal protective equipment, especially in a healthcare setting.
- Washing hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub product.
- To prevent infection from an animal source, one should avoid unnecessary contact with animals, washing hand after contact with animals or animal products.
- Ensure that animal products are cooked thoroughly before consumption or entirely avoid eating raw meat.
- Besides, upon detection of even minor fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, one should seek medical attention at the earliest while sharing their travel history with the healthcare provider.
- Cancellation of travel plans to China until things get better.
- Individuals must follow instructions from the local authorities.
Also, Scientists across the countries are trying to develop a vaccine for the new virus, but no update has been released so far in this regard. China presently has over 80 running or pending clinical trials on potential treatments for 2019-nCov.
Since it’s a new virus, the information currently known about 2019-nCov can change in the future. The key authorities around the world are even cognizant of the possibility of the virus turning into something worse. Thus, countries, states and individuals must stay informed and be aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on WHO’s website or through their national and local public health agencies.
