WHO Reiterates Commitment To End Corona Virus Outbreak, As Virus Claims 17 Lives!

The World Health Organization (WHO), while confirming that 17, out of 575 people who contacted the virus have died, restated its commitment to end the corona virus outbreak as soon as it can. An International Health Regulations to coordinate international response, control measures and to share information globally has been set up to help check the spread of the virus.

To facilitate this move, the WHO equally made availed guidelines for quick identification of cases, providing guidance to all countries for the rapid identification, management & containment of the virus; currently coordinating its networks of global experts, and "working to advance the development of diagnostics, therapeutics & vaccines".

Thing you need to know about the virus: 

The 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). 

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

Can Humans become infected? 

Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans in China in 2002 and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.  As surveillance improves around the world, more coronaviruses are likely to be identified.

Symptoms: 

It depends on the virus, but common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

 Can the virus be transmitted?

Yes, some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household workplace, or health care centre.

 Is there a vaccine?

When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed.

 Treatment: 

There is no specific treatment 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. Moreover, supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

How can I protect myself?

Standard recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses include maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices  and avoiding close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

 Are Health Workers at Risk?

Yes, they can be, as health care workers come into contact with patients more often than the general public WHO recommends that health care workers consistently apply appropriate infection prevention and control  measures.

  

WHO's recommendations for countries:

WHO encourages all countries to enhance their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), to carefully review any unusual patterns of SARI or pneumonia cases and to notify WHO of any suspected or confirmed case of infection with novel coronavirus.

Countries are encouraged to continue strengthening their preparedness for health emergencies in line with the International Health Regulations (2005). 

According to World Health Organization, here are ways to prevent the virus: