The mysterious Coronavirus which has resulted in the deaths of 132 people in China is a cause of great concern for the entire world. According to NDTV, the virus has spread to different parts of the world even though the Ministry of Health has confirmed that there have been no confirmed cases in India so far. However, before we jump into what we can do to protect ourselves, here are a few details about the virus, its symptoms, and where did it come from in the first place.
So what is the Coronavirus?
According to a report by The Telegraph, the Coronavirus belongs to a family of viruses which cause illnesses ranging from a cold to severe breathing difficulties. The Coronavirus is transmitted from animals to humans. However, this particular virus in question which has been named 2019-nCoV is a new kind of virus which hadn’t been previously identified in humans and can transmit from human to human.
Where did this virus come from?
According to a report by India Today, the 2019-nCov is said to have come from the Huanan Seafood Market in the Chinese city of Wuhan where different kinds of animals are sold. Many of these animals are illegally sold including beavers, porcupines, and snakes, as alleged by TIME. As mentioned earlier, the coronavirus transmits from animals to humans.
What are its symptoms?
According to India Today, the most common signs of getting infected by the Coronavirus are “fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties”. Severe infection can cause pneumonia and death.
How does the virus spread?
According to the Ministry of Health, specific modes of transport of the virus isn’t clear since it is a “novel virus”. However, it is believed that it gets transmitted similar to how other respiratory infections do – by coughs and sneezes.
What can we do to protect ourselves?
The Ministry of Health has also issued a list of precautions. It includes:
a) All non-essential travel to China or affected countries should be avoided.
b) Observe good personal hygiene.
c) Practice frequent handwashing with soap.
d) Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
According to CNN, close contact with people coughing or sneezing should be avoided as a precaution. India Today cautions people to avoid unprotected contact with wild or farm animals and also refrain from eating raw or undercooked animal products.
You can read more details given by the Ministry of Health here:
Stay safe everyone!