Coronavirus
WHO has announced a global emergency on the Coronavirus, which has killed at least 126,811 people after an outbreak in the central city of Wuhan in China.
More than 2,004,383 cases of this disease have been recorded all over the world, most of them in the Chinese province of Hubei including Hong Kong and Macau. On February 2, a person from Wuhan also died in the Philippines, becoming the first death outside China.
A recently identified corona virus known 2019-nCoV has spread to China and now has spread too many other countries (India, Australia, United States, France, United Kingdom, Philippines, Canada, and Spain etc). Following are some fact that you should know about it.
What Is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus was first discovered in the 1960s, but we do not know where it came from. They get this name due to its shape that is like crown. Sometimes, but not all, corona viruses can affect both animals and humans.
Where From The Word “Corona” Came?
The name of this Virus comes from the Latin word corona, which means corona or halo, because under an electron microscope, the virus’s image resembles that of the solar corona.
World Health Organization
According to World Health Organization, Coronavirus belongs to the family of viruses that causes diseases ranging from common cold to more serious illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
How It Transmits?
Mostly Coronavirus spread like other viruses that cause diarrhea: cough and sneezing by infected persons, by touching the hands or face of an infected person, or by touching things like a door handle.
According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of this infection include fever, cough, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, SARS and even death. The duration of the Coronavirus incubation is unknown. Some sources say it can take 10 to 14 days.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Difficult Breathing
- Impaired Liver And Kidney Function
- Kidney Failure
- Shortness Of Breath
- Severe Cough
- Pneumonia
How Deadly Is Coronavirus?
Some experts say it is more deadly than other types of carnivorous viruses, such as SARS, that killed more than 50 people worldwide and 425 people in China alone during an outbreak in 2019-2020.
Where From It Came?
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the animal is the source of its outbreak. On February 2, Hubei’s officials reported that the virus is 96% similar to the already-known Bat-Borne Coronavirus. But Chinese scientists have previously mentioned that snakes may be its possible source.
Since this virus appeared first time in Wuhan, especially in those people who have visited a local seafood and animal market, therefore officials are saying that it likely came from animal to humans.
Where Have Cases Been Reported?
The most deaths and cases have reported in China, which is the majority of Hubei. So far, the Philippines is the only country that has reported a death due to this virus.
This virus has spread to several Asian countries, including Australia, North America and the Middle East etc. Almost all the dozen cases outside China are among those who have traveled there recently.
What Is Being Done To Stop It From Spreading?
Scientists are trying to discover its vaccine but they have warned to be available with it.
Chinese authorities have sealed off Wuhan and have placed restrictions to travel other cities from Wuhan. Many airlines including Australia, North America, Middle East and many other have canceled/banned their flights to China.
How To Protect Yourself From This Viral Infection?
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent infection from 2019-nCoV is to avoid the virus. In general, the CDC recommends the following tips to prevent this disease.
- Wash your hand with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Do not touch the eyes, nose and mouth with washed hands.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home when you are sick.
According to the CDC, if you are traveling to China, you should avoid contact with sick people and animal markets.
Those who come to China in the next two weeks and develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath should immediately see a doctor and inform their medical staff about their recent trip.