Corona Virus is now a Public Health Emergency of International Concern according to a statement by WHO.
Public Health is once again, is being challenged. Since the month end of December, there has been an outbreak called the Corona virus. — originating from the Chinese city of Wuhan. At least 170 people are dean and more than 8,100 cases have been confirmed in mainland China, as the virus spreads globally.
There are already more than 100 confirmed cases in 20 places outside of China, with India and the Philippines reporting their first cases. and there is word that it might have been suspected already in Kenya and in the Ivory Coast.
In the brim of this outbreak, most countries are already shutting their border with china. Earlier today, around 7000 people were held on a cruise ship in Italy because a couple was tested for the virus; however, it was seen that the test was negative for the Corona virus. No word has been issued yet about when they would be released from quarantine.
About 40 minutes ago, the World Health Organisation declared the corona virus a public health emergency of international concern. This decision was made after an emergency committee reconvened today in Geneva. According to the WHO, they are foreseeing that this virus has a “potential for a much larger outbreak,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.
With a declaration of this magnitude, it is only important that the whole world understands how they could contribute on their part to help NOT spread the virus. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) had issued an article on how to prevent the Corona Virus. As we well know, it is an air borne virus, and there are yet no vaccines available to protect you against human infection. However you may be able to reduce your chances of contacting the virus by doing the following;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contacts with people who are sick.
Meanwhile if you have cold-like symptoms, you can help protect others by doing the following;
- stay home while you are sick
2. avoid close contact with others
3. cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
4. clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human corona viruses. Most people with common human corona virus illness will recover on their own. However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms
- take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children)
2. use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
If you are mildly sick, you should
3. drink plenty of liquids
4. stay home and rest
Another tweet suggests some extra detail about the corona virus.
The corona virus stand now as the fourth virus in recent times to have had international emergency alarms sounded on it. Previous emergencies have included Evola, Zika and H1N1.
