2019 Wuhan Coronavirus. The What, Where and How.

Where did coronavirus come from?

It was reported that on the 31st December 2019, the World Health Organization (W.H.O) was alerted to several cases of Pneumonia in Wuhan city, Hubei  province China a commercial center with a population of 11.08 million.

Less than a week later, the Chinese authorities issued a statement confirming the cases and spread

 

What coronavirus strain is in China?

This strain of the virus is called 2019-nCoV for now and is the third strain of coronavirus known to frequently cause severe symptoms in humans. The other two are MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).

 

Before this outbreak of Cornavirus, in 2003, a global SARS outbreak became the first pandemic of the 21st century. The SARS coronavirus incited worldwide panic and multiple quarantines throughout the early 2000s. The virus originated in China and became known as the first pandemic of the 21st century.

 

Authorities in Wuhan have shut down the city’s public transportation, including buses, trains, ferries, and the airport.

China has also quarantined 16 cities; Huanggang, Ezhou, Chibi, Xiantao, Zhijiang, Qianjjiang, Huangshi, Xianning, Yichang, Enshi, Xiangyang, Jingmen, Xiaogan, Dangyang, and Suizhou in an effort to try and contain the Wuhan coronavirus.

This  puts the record at an estimated 46million people on lockdown.

 

Also, the Wuhan coronavirus has resulted in the largest quarantine in human history. Common human coronaviruses cause mild to moderate upper respiratory symptoms, including the common cold, while more severe types can cause pneumonia and death.

 

Where has the Coronavirus spread to?

More than 20 countries and territories outside of mainland China have confirmed cases of the virus – spanning Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East — as India, Italy and the Philippines reported their first cases.

 

The main reason for these declarations is because of what is happening in other countries, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “W.H.O’s  greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems, and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.”

 

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

The symptoms of coronavirus include Pneumonia, Fever, Coughing and or Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

 

 

How is the Coronavirus treated?

For now, there is no vaccine available. No specific treatment or cure for the virus. Supportive care for symptoms is provided.

 

 

How to reduce your risk of contracting coronavirus

The World health organization recommends the following;

1. Regularly washing the hands with soap and water, sanitizers or alcohol based hand rubs.
2. Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue, sleeve or flexed elbow. Always dispose tissue in closed bins after use and wash hands after.
3. Always wear a mask. Masks should not be touched or handled during use. If wet or dirty, it must be changed immediately.
4. Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. Some patients may be harboring the virus and have no symptoms
5. Thoroughly cook eggs and meat. Practice food safety and do not consume dead animals.
6. Avoid unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals.
7. Avoid travelling to cities where there have been spread and multiple confirmed cases of the virus.

 

What’s being done to prevent its spread to Nigeria?

The Lagos state governor Mr Babajide Sanwoolu has launched and Incident comand system in Lagos. The command will work with healthcare professionals in collaboration with the Fedeal ministry of Health.

He said the command will work till the state is certain there’s a certainty of no risk.

Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria witnesses more than 50% of Nigeria’s international arrivals.

 

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