The emerging crisis of the Coronavirus has further accelerated over a week. With medical experts trying to come up with a solution, it is essential to be aware of the situation China and many other countries are facing.
According to the World Health Organization, Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can be the cause of illnesses starting from a simple cold to collapses in a person’s respiratory, with more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). However, the virus that is currently spreading is one that we are unfortunately unfamiliar with.
Symptoms Associated with Coronavirus
Recently revealed by China: a person could be affected by the virus before symptoms start to show.
- Fever
- Respiratory problems including coughing and breathing difficulties
- Sore throat and headaches
In more critical conditions, the virus could lead to pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.
Affected Countries
According to several sources, more than 10 Countries have fallen prey to the rapid succession of the virus which originated in Wuhan, China.
1) Australia
A man who arrived from China to Melbourne was reported to be the first case of Coronavirus for Australia on January 25th. Later that day, three more travellers from China tested positive in Sydney and are now kept in isolation at local hospitals. Officials further claimed that they were in contact with the passengers who had flown in on the same flight.
2) China
As of right now, 3,000 people have been confirmed infected, with the death toll rising to 106 as China currently undergoes a desperate attempt to contain the spread of the virus! Through extending holidays, Authorities have further expressed concerns over the post-new year travel surge. With thousands of people travelling through trains and buses; it may be the way for the virus to accumulate an even wider reach.
3) France
Three cases have been confirmed as patients of the virus. The first being a 48-year old man in Bordeaux, who is currently being treated at a local hospital after returning to the country from Wuhan.
The other two travellers have been admitted in Paris, where they are kept in isolation to prevent further infections. The health minister of the country has also revealed that authorities have come into contact with other travellers who had recently been to China.
4) The United States
A man in his 30s from Seattle became the first official case of Coronavirus in the US, while two other patients: a woman from Chicago and another traveller from California, were reported to be the second and third cases of the virus. All three patients are currently stable and are recovering in isolation at local hospitals.
5) Thailand
As of January 26th, Thailand has a total of three patients being treated for Coronavirus, while five others who were previously brought in for the same reason had recovered and left hospital premises. However, unlike France, it is believed that more cases might spring up soon.
6) Taiwan
With three cases so far, Taiwan is taking steps to secure a coronavirus-free zone, as authorities have advised against travel to Wuhan. Further, officials have made it clear that arrivals from Wuhan will be rejected by immigration, while travellers from the rest of China, including Hong Kong and Macau – must fill out health declaration forms.
7) Nepal
While only one case was discovered in Nepal, authorities have soon set their focus on new perimeters; by doing so, the government has increased surveillance in the airport and passengers are being closely monitored to stop the virus from spreading.
8) Singapore
From the span of six days (January 21- 27), Singapore has uncovered three cases of Coronavirus. While all of them are being treated at local hospitals, the government fears there may be more cases to be discovered.
9) Japan
In recent weeks, Japan has seen a notable rise in Tourism. Therefore, according to several news outlets, there may be many other patients who are unaware of their situation. Besides this, three cases have already been found.
10) South Korea
According to the Korea Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), South Korea now stands with four cases of Coronavirus. Throughout the time frame of an entire week, two travellers from Wuhan were identified as the first two cases, while two other cases were discovered shortly after.
Moreover, Canada and Malaysia have both come in with one case of the virus, while Vietnam faces two.
As of January 28th, Sri Lanka has officially confirmed its first case of Coronavirus. While authorities have urged citizens to remain calm, the frenzy of confusion as to whether more people could be infected still exists.
How to guard yourself against the Coronavirus
According to experts, about 100,000 people may already be infected. Which is why the World Health Organization is recommending that people take more modest precautions such as the ones highlighted below.
- Frequently wash hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap
- Always cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- Avoid contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with animals
- Wear gloves and masks when using public transportation
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you see any of the symptoms that resonate with the virus.
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