• The deadly mystery Chinese virus has now crossed the ocean to Japan.
• Earlier it was detected in Thailand.
• As per WHO, it could spread around the globe.
• Taiwan has listed the mysterious Wuhan virus as an emerging communicable disease.
• All CMAAO countries should do the same. NMAs should write to the government for the same.
• Hospitals and other medical institutions should be made to report suspected cases within 24 hours of diagnosis and compulsory quarantine of people with symptoms.
• Suspected cases are defined as people who develop a fever, pneumonia or other respiratory infections within 14 days of a visit to Wuhan.
• Emerging communicable disease means a disease with a substantial impact on the health of the population through its transmission.
• The U.S. Embassy in Beijing issued an alert to Americans in Chinalast week, conveying guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning anyone who travels to Wuhan to avoid contact with all animals and sick people, and wash their hands regularly. The same should be done by other CMAAO countries.

 Coronavirus Advisory

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