An outbreak of coronavirus, a viral strain which causes deadly respiratory illness, has claimed three lives since its outbreak in China late in December last year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 139 new cases were confirmed in the space of two days, with more arising in Beijing as well as other prominent Chinese cities and Asian countries. Concerns are mounting about the origin and spread of this mysterious viral outbreak, which has been linked to a seafood market in the major domestic and international transport hub of Wuhan in Central China.
According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak, which has claimed three lives is a strain called novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that affects the respiratory system, causing infections which can lead to pneumonia. ‘The evidence is highly suggestive that the outbreak is associated with exposures in one seafood market in Wuhan,’ the WHO reported on 12 January.
Thailand and Japan have since reported confirmed cases of coronavirus, and South Korea confirmed its first case on Monday 20 January from a Chinese visitor (Wall Street Journal).
What’s especially concerning for authorities is the increased number of Chinese travellers commuting at the moment in anticipation of Chinese New Year celebrations, which welcome the start of the new lunar calendar in China.
The virus is transferred between animals and humans, but a number of human-to-human strains exist. It’s not yet known how this mysterious virus is spreading, and additional investigations are required to establish the mode of transmission and clinical spectrum of the disease.
India has since issued a travel advisory for it citizens, and the WHO is advising all people and travellers in these regions to avoid contact with people exhibiting the flu-like symptoms characteristic of someone who’s contracted the virus. People should also avoid contact with farms, animals and markets where animals are slaughtered or sold, and should avoid eating raw or uncooked meat.
The WHO stresses the importance of following basic hygiene practices, such as washing one’s hands and covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Feature image: Unsplash
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