Govt releases FAQs on coronavirus, says rapidly evolving situation

The government on Thursday released frequently asked questions (FAQs) and useful information on coronavirus that has claimed 170 lives so far. The virus has infected more than 7700 people and is spreading rapidly.

In a series of tweets on Thursday, the government released information about the virus and how to control its spread.

Q) What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus?

Ans- 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is named novel as it has not been previously identified.

Q) What is the source of 2019 Novel Coronavirus?

Ans- At present exact source of infection of 2019 novel Corona virus has not been identified. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Initially, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to large seafood and animal market, suggesting the virus likely emerged from an animal source.

Q) What are the initial symptoms of Novel Coronavirus?

Ans- Current symptoms reported for patients with 2019-nCoV include acute onset of fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing.

Q) Has anyone in the India got the infection?

Ans- No. Thus far, there is no report of any laboratory confirmed case 2019-nCoV. Suspected cases are being identified through disease surveillance in India.

Q) How does the virus spread?

Ans- The specific modes of transmission of the virus is not clear yet since it is a novel virus. This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person-to-person. It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. It is thought to have happened mainly when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread.

Q) What is Gol doing about 2019-nCoV?

Ans- A 24*7 helpline has been setup by the Gol at NCDC, New Delhi to answer all queries regarding the disease. The Gol is closely monitoring the situation and has ascertained the level of preparedness in every State of India. As this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation the Gol will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

Q) Is there a vaccine to get protection from 2019 novel Corona Virus?

Ans- Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against 2019-novel Corona Virus.

Q) How can I help protect myself?

Ans- There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

All non-essential travel to China or affected countries to be avoided.

Observe good personal hygiene.

Practice frequent hand washing with soap.

Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.

*The list of affected countries is available on WHO website (www.who.int) and would be updated time to time.

Q) What should I do if I had close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV?

Ans- Self monitor your health starting from the day of last contact with such a case and continue for 28 days. Watch for the development of acute onset of signs and symptoms

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

If you observe any of the above symptoms visit the nearest health facility for further advice and treatment. Further you must furnish the details of exposure of such patient to your health care worker.

Q) Is it safe to travel to Wuhan, China or other countries where 2019-nCoV 2019 cases have occurred?

Ans- All nonessential travel to China is to be avoided.

If the travel is unavoidable- At all times follow the simple public health measures

Observe good personal hygiene

Monitor your health closely

Seek medical attention promptly if you feel sick

If you feel sick during travel, inform airline crew about your illness and seek mask from the airline crew

For further details kindly check Travel advisory issued by MOHFW, Gol available on website (mohfw.gov.in)

Q) What are the treatments?

Ans- There is no specific antiviral treatment available for 2019-novel Corona Virus infection. People infected with 2019-novel Corona Virus should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

Q) Should I be tested for 2019-novel Corona Virus?

Ans- If you develop acute onset of fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, you should visit nearest health facility and the doctor’s will decide if you need to be tested for 2019-novel Corona Virus depending upon your history of travel to China/ affected countries or contact with any suspected/lab confirmed case.

More than 160 deaths have been reported from the central Chinese province of Hubei and its capital, Wuhan, which is at the epicentre of the deadly and rapidly spreading outbreak.

China’s national health commission (NHC) said Thursday that at least 1,370 are critically ill with the infection and there are 12,167 suspected to have been infected with the previously unknown virus.

Beijing is reported to have at least 111 confirmed cases and the number has also crossed 100 in the financial capital, Shanghai.

The virus has now spread to at least 16 countries globally.