NOVEL CORONA VIRUS (2019-nCoV)

January 31, 2020

NOVEL CORONA VIRUS (2019-nCoV)

NOVEL CORONA VIRUS (2019-nCoV)

The latest new on February 4, least 425 people are dead due to virus spreads aggressively and more than 20,438 globally as it continues to spread beyong China. Other than that, The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on Thursday (January, 30) but Malaysia had already implemented proactive measures to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

There are 25 other countries with confirmed cases including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, the UAE, the United States, and Vietnam.

WHAT IS THE CORONA VIRUS?

Coronaviruses are an extremely common cause of colds and other upper respiratory infections. These viruses are zoonoses, which means they can infect certain animals and spread from one animal to another.

A coronavirus can potentially spread to humans, particularly if certain mutations in the virus occur. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). These two coronaviruses caused severe illness to human.

WHAT IS THE NOVEL CORONA VIRUS?

A novel (new) coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.

The recently nCoV is not same as the coronavirus that causes by MERS and SARS. There are ongoing investigation related with this virus. The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with the provinces and territories, and international partners, including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation.

WHERE DID THE VIRUS COME FROM?

It a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before. Like other coronaviruses, it has come from animals. Many of those infected either worked or frequently shopped in the Huanan seafood wholesale market in the centre of the Chinese city, which also sold illegally selling wildlife.

Health experts think it may have originated in bats and then passed to humans, possibly via another animal species. However, public health officials and partner are working hard to identify the source of this virus. Analysis of the genetic tree of this virus is ongoing to know the specific source of the virus.

2019-NCOV SITUATION UPDATE IN MALAYSIA

Until February 4, a total of 10 tested positive with the 2019-nCoV virus one is malaysian and other is Chinese National.

According to the World health organization (WHO) there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccines recommended for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment based on the patient’s clinical condition. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

HOW DANGEROUS IS IT?

It is unclear how deadly the new virus is. Many of those who have died had pre-existing medical conditions, elderly, children and those with weakened immune systems. They might develop a more serious infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

This Coronavirus Infections have a wide range of symptoms and attack upper respiratory system including:

Fever
Cough and sneeze
Sore Throat
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulties
Runny nose

ii.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

The preventative measures is to seek medical treatment if you feel unwell within 14 days of returning from China or have above sign and symptoms. Make sure to inform the physician about the recent travel history.

The human transmission has been confirmed by the China’s national health commission. Although it is not clear on how easily that happens. The coronaviruses can be transmitted from human to human with close contact with an infected patients via particles in air from coughing, sneezing or touching object with virus on it or touching their nose, mouth or eyes. Most cases so far are in people who have been in Wuhan recently, family members of those infected and medical workers.