COVID-19

The World Health Organization says a major emergency committee will meet in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss the epidemic as "a public health emergency of international concern." This measure is very rare and is usually only used when a major infectious disease outbreak occurs. In the past, WHO has used this qualitative only in rare cases, including H1N1 (swine flu) in 2009, the "Ebola" outbreak that swept parts of West Africa from 2014 to 2016, and the Zika virus transmitted in 2016. And the Ebola outbreak that has been raging in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2018.

 The epidemic was officially notified as early as December 31, 2019, and has spread to three other Asian countries in less than a month. It is expected that there will be more under the mass migration caused by the Chinese Spring Festival. Cases occurred.

What are the symptoms of infection?

Signs of infection with the virus include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.

The outbreak reminded many people of the SARS virus that broke out in 2003. SARS virus is also a coronavirus. In the early 21st century, a total of 774 people were killed by SARS in dozens of countries, most of them in Asia.

Analysis of the genetic code of the new virus shows that it is more closely related to SARS than other human coronaviruses.

 "This time the virus has brought more than just cold symptoms. This is a worrying issue, but it is not as severe as SARS," said Mark Woolhouse, a professor at the University of Edinburgh in the UK.

How fast will the epidemic spread?

The epidemic first appeared in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 and has killed four people.

 But Chinese authorities are concerned that during the Lunar New Year, China's "Spring Festival Transport" will significantly increase the risk of infection.

 China has added more than 130 confirmed cases over the past weekend, and South Korea, Japan and Thailand have confirmed cases.

 The WHO Collaborating Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, published a report on January 21 stating that there will be a total of 1343 outbreaks in Wuhan during January 1-17. At the same time, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen There were 17, 15, 15, 14 and 10 imported cases from Wuhan, respectively.

 A report from the MRC Global Infectious Disease Analysis Centre at Imperial College London suggests that there may be more than 1,700 cases of infection.

How do we stop the virus from spreading？

Coronaviruses are a broad family of viruses, but only six (and this time the new virus will be the seventh) are known to infect humans.

The affected patients are currently undergoing isolation treatment to minimize the risk of infection.

Yuan Guoyong, an expert from the Chinese Health Commission, recommends that if you want to prevent this disease, it is very important to "wear a mask" and pay attention to eye, nose and mouth hygiene.

 In addition, experts suggest that you should avoid "unprotected" contact with live animals, thoroughly cook meat and eggs, and avoid contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

 Wuhan strengthens the management of public places and transportation places such as airports, railway stations, bus stations, terminals, etc., equipped with body temperature inspection, masks and brochures.

 At present, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and other places have announced the inspection of aircraft passengers from Wuhan. The United States has launched similar measures at three major airports in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

 There is currently no vaccine against the virus. WHO has warned hospitals around the world that the outbreak could spread on a larger scale.