1372:   WHO experts share findings on the origins of the coronavirus

A team of experts from the World Health Organization stated in China that the coronavirus likely spread to humans through an animal and it was highly unlikely that it came into circulation due to a lab accident.

The findings were shared following 12 days of fieldwork by the WHO scientists in Wuhan, China. Still months of work needs to be undertaken to trace the origins of the virus. (NY Times)

1373:  People with dementia have a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19. These patients also have higher odds of being hospitalized and dying from it, compared to those without dementia, noted a new study. (NY Times)

1374:  The total number of deaths from COVID-19 in Mexico now stand at the third-highest mark across the globe, higher than that in India, a country with a population 10 times higher than its own population. Doctors and officials have stated that the deaths of so many more people could partly be attributed to a nationwide shortage of oxygen tanks. (The Indian Express)

1375:  A press release on January 22 stated that in the ColCORONA study, use of the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine led to a significant reduction in the primary endpoint in 4159 of the patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19, with decline of 25%, 50%, and 44%, respectively, for hospitalizations, ventilations, and death. (Medscape)

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA