2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more
specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of
respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients
in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and
animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of
patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating
person-to-person spread is occurring.
Now the virus has turned up in more than a dozen other
countries, including Japan, South Korea, France, Australia and the United
States. Investigators in still other nations, and in several American states,
are evaluating possible cases.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are named for the spikes that protrude
from their membranes, which resemble the sun’s corona. They can infect both
animals and people, and can cause illnesses of the respiratory tract, ranging
from the common cold to dangerous conditions like Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome, or SARS.
Confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses
have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill
and dying. Symptoms can include:
1. Fever.
2. Cough.
3. Shortness of breath.
How is it transmitted?
The Wuhan coronavirus is most likely transmitted
through coughing and sneezing, as is the case with influenza and other
respiratory viruses, Dr. Vaishampayan said.
Prevention.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV
infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this
virus. The preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory
viruses, including:
1. Wash
your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and
water are not available.
2. Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid
close contact with people who are sick.
4. Stay
home when you are sick.
5. Cover
your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
6. Clean
and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Treatment.
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended
for 2019-nCoV infection. People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive
supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should
include care to support vital organ functions.
The good news is that a few existing drugs might help
to save lives in the meantime. And new treatments could be developed in as
little as six months.
People who think they may have been exposed to
2019-nCoV should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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