Everything you need to know about Coronavirus Outbreak

According to the latest updates, the deadly human Coronavirus that outbreak in China in December 2019 has claimed over 170 lives & rendered over 7000 infected world-wide.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) said Coronavirus Outbreak is a global risk, it has not yet declared the China outbreak as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

We have carefully crafted a guide with up-to-date information on the Corona virus outbreak in China. Read on to know how this deadly virus spreads & what the possible precautionary measures are.

 What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV is a clan of viruses that is capable of causing ailments in humans ranging from common cold to severe diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) & MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

The virus has been named so because of the effects caused by the spikes on the capsids (the protein shell of a virus). Under the microscope, the Coronavirus appears spherical, covered with “crown-like” spikes on the outer surface.

How does the Virus Spread?

The fatal newly-identified Coronavirus is highly contagious. It can be transmitted from person to person via coughing & sneezing – up to 3 feet – when an infected person breathes out, coughs or sneezes.

It can also spread if one touches his/her mouth, nose or eyes after touching an already infected person/object.

How & Where did Coronavirus outbreak start?

According to the sources, the first known & reported case of Coronavirus infection emerged from Wuhan, the Chinese city known for wildlife trading, in December 2019.

While the main source of Coronavirus outbreak has not be identified yet, two research papers suspect bats & snakes as the possible culprits of the infection.

How far has the Coronavirus infection spread?

The new strain of Coronavirus has spread at an alarming rate since its outbreak in late December 2019. As per the latest update, this virus has rendered over 6,000 infected & killed over 170 in China.

Other confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection have been reported from many countries including Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States, Australia, South Korea, France, Germany, U.A.E, Vietnam, Canada, Nepal, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

As per the latest updates, more than 7,700 cases of novel Coronavirus infection have been reported world-wide.

In India, one confirmed case of Coronavirus infection has been reported in Kerala state.

People who have returned from China in the recent past have been kept under observation as they displayed mild symptoms of the virus.

In addition to that, over 35,000 passengers traveling to India from China have been screened so far, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan confirmed. Thermal screening of passengers is being held at the seven major airports – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi & Hyderabad.

Over 10 laboratories have been established around the country to conduct the tests of the people kept under observation.

Common Symptoms of the novel Coronavirus Outbreak

The new variant of Coronavirus Infection displays a wide range of symptoms.

Coronavirus Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath & breathing difficulties. Severe Coronavirus Infection can cause conditions like pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure & even death.

While these symptoms bear similarities with SARS, some of the important differences are the absence of runny nose, sore throat, persistent sneezing & intestinal ailments such as diarrhea.

The Course of Treatment for Coronavirus Outbreak

Specific treatment or vaccine for the novel Coronavirus Outbreak is not known yet. However, the Coronavirus treatment involves proper rest & medication.

Here’s what you can do to relieve the symptoms:

1). Get a humidifier installed in your bedroom/home.

2). Hot showers can help in relieving sore throat & cough.

3). Ensure taking lot of fluids & rest.

4). In case the symptoms persist, consider consulting your doctor.

Please Note: The newly discovered Coronavirus Infection has an incubation period of up to 14 days (2 weeks). It is suspected that Coronavirus may also be spreading before the symptoms show up.

What Does the WHO recommends | Precautionary Measures

The Word Health Organization (WHO) has released a set of standard precautionary measures for the public to reduce the transmission of respiratory syndrome Coronavirus outbreak.

1). Avoid close contact with the person displaying aforementioned symptoms.

2). Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand-wash & soap.

3). Cover your mouth & nose with a tissue while coughing & sneezing. Throw the tissue away & wash your hands.

4). While visiting crowded places & markets, avoid direct contact with live animals.

5). Avoid consumption of raw or under-cooked meat or eggs. Handle meat, animal organs & raw meat with care so as to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.