The Japanese health ministry confirmed its first case of infection in the country after a man tested positive for the new pneumonia-like coronavirus. The announcement is prompting concerns about the spread of the virus as waves of tourists are set to travel for Chinese New Year. The mysterious virus has killed two and sickened at least 41 people in China.

The World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) tweeted at 2:10 pm on Sat, Jan 11, 2020: WHO interim guidance on a range of topics to help countries manage the new #coronavirus

Coronavirus

WHO: Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. 

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.  Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA