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Important Facts About the 2019 Novel Coronavirus | Q&A
31
Jan
Jan
Important Facts About the 2019 Novel Coronavirus | Q&A
Knowledge is Life so let us save lives by powering-up our minds with important information about the 2019 Novel Corona Virus outbreak. The information you will learn will give you the confidence and guidance on how to battle against this deadly pandemic that scares the world.
2019 Novel Coronavirus is a late 2019 virus that spread rapidly from Wuhan China to as far as across the globe in a matter of days. 2019-nCoV was first identified in Wuhan, China from a number of patients reported on 31 December 2019 to be diagnosed with pneumonia .
The medical authority in China who is in-charged of detecting corona virus cases via their installed medical surveillance system, detected the pneumonia cases in Wuhan for possible respiratory disease outbreak.
This Chinese medical surveillance was put-up after the SARS epidemic occurred in November, 2003 in Guangdong China, when a farmer contracted the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus from a small mammal. Since then, this medical surveillance has been detecting and trying to look for unusual activities in patients diagnosed with respiratory illnesses. This surveillance was responsible in detecting the 2019 Novel Corona Virus.
2019 Novel Corona Virus belongs to the family of Corona Virus. Corona Virus is a group of viruses that develops into a mild upper respiratory Infections such as common colds. The virus we get from Corona Virus is the typical viral infection that causes common colds but can be deadly in rare cases when it affects the lower respiratory tract such a pneumonia like the 2003 SARS and 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), also known as camel flu, which was first identified in Saudi Arabia.
SARS Coronavirus, MERS Coronavirus and now the latest, 2019 Novel Coronavirus are all members of the Coronavirus family.
Why are these Viral Respiratory Inspections called Corona Virus?
This Viruses got its name from the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. The Latin word for crown is Corona.
Why is it called “Novel” Coronavirus?
This type of virus is called “Novel Virus” due to the fact that the virus is “New”. A lot of unknown details are yet to be discovered. Something that has not been detected in humans before, therefore, no cure has not been made available in the past. Upon the onslaught and breakout of this particular virus, scientists and medical personnel were not prepared to combat this type of virus. Everything was build from scratch.
How coronavirus got its name?
On January 30 , 2020, WHO recommends that the interim name (interim means “in the meantime” or “temporarily”. ) of the disease causing the current outbreak should be “2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease” (where ‘n’ is for novel and ‘CoV’ is for coronavirus). This name complies with the WHO Best Practices for Naming of New Human Infectious Diseases, which were developed through a consultative process among partner agencies. Endorsement for the interim name is being sought from WHO’s partner agencies, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The final name of the disease will be provided by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). WHO is also proposing ‘2019-nCoV’ as an interim name of the virus. The final decision on the official name of the virus will be made by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
Signs and Symptoms of the 2019 Novel Corona Virus
Humans infected with 2019 Novel Corona Virus will experience the common colds symptoms in the early stage such a fever, runny nose, cough and shortness of breath.
People who are experiencing such signs should seek medical help as soon as possible. They should see their doctor to get checked up as soon as possible. These symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses according to medical experts.
The 2019 NCoV disease can be transmitted from person to person via particles or droplets from coughs or sneeze.
When do we need to see a doctor?
Knowing the corona virus symptoms will give you an idea on when to see a doctor. When you don’t feel well, immediately grab a thermometer and check your temperature. If you have fever then go ahead and see your doctor. If you have respiratory symptoms like cough, runny nose or difficulty breathing then you must see your doctor. Don’t forget to wear a face mask. Prepare your travel history if you have any and make sure to give all the details to your doctor.
Where did 2019 Novel Corona Virus come from?
The 2019 NCoV was traced to be coming from a food market in China where live animals are sold.
Is the new virus the same as SARS?
No, 2019-nCoV is from the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) but it is not the same virus.
How dangerous is it?
As with other respiratory illnesses, infection with 2019-nCoV can cause mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more severe for some persons and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as, diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. (Source: WHO)
Can I catch 2019-nCoV from my pet?
No, at present there is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or have spread 2019-nCoV. (Source)
