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2019 Novel Coronavirus: What You Should Know About the Deadly Virus

It is no longer news that the outbreak of coronavirus in China has led to considerable loss of humans and economic standing in the country. Although 99 percent of the infections are in China, where the outbreak remains "very much an emergency,” there have been speculations that the fatal disease has hit few countries in Africa. It is therefore imperative for an average veterinary medical student to have background knowledge on the virus, owing to the fact that this emerging disease has a zoonotic implication. In addition, some students will be travelling within and outside Nigeria for their 6-weeks obligatory Field Practice, making it germane to be well equipped against this disease, and other infectious diseases because disease transmission, as they say, knows no border. Below are some important facts you have to know about the virus.

• What is the novel Coronavirus 2019-nCov?

The 2019 novel coronavirus, temporarily named 2019-nCoV, was identified in China at the end of 2019 and is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. It has recently been giving a permanent nomenclature, COVID-19.

• Where do Coronaviruses come from?

Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals but some of them are also known to affect humans. After they have infected animals, they can eventually be transmitted to humans. A wide range of animals is known to be the source of coronaviruses. For instance, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) originated from camels and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) originated from civet cats.

• What is the mode of transmission? How (easily) does it spread?

While animals are the source of the virus, this virus is now spreading from one person to another (human-to-human transmission). There is currently not enough epidemiological information to determine how easily and sustainably this virus spreads between people. The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale. The incubation period for 2019-nCoV is currently estimated at between two and 14 days. At this stage, it is known that the virus can be transmitted as soon as those infected show (flu-like) symptoms. However, there are still uncertainties as to whether mild or asymptomatic cases can transmit the virus. If people with 2019-nCoV are tested and diagnosed in a timely manner and rigorous infection control measures are applied, the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission in community settings is low.

• What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV

From what is known so far, the virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, pain in the muscles and tiredness. More serious cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can lead to the death of the patient. People with existing chronic conditions seem to be more vulnerable to severe illness.

• Are some people more at risk than others?

Generally, young children, elderly people and those with underlying conditions (e.g. hypertension, heart disorders, diabetes, liver disorders, and respiratory disease) are expected to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.

·        Is there a treatment for the disease caused by 2019-nCoV?

There is no specific treatment for this disease so the approach used to treat patients with coronavirus-related infections is to treat the clinical symptoms (e.g. fever). Supportive care (e.g. supportive therapy and monitoring – oxygen therapy, fluid management and antivirals) can be highly effective for those infected.

• How can I avoid getting infected?

When visiting areas with presumed ongoing community transmission of coronavirus you should: avoid contact with sick people, in particular those with a cough; avoid visiting markets and places where live or dead animals are handled; follow general rules governing hand hygiene and food hygiene; wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based disinfectant solution before eating, after using the toilet and after any contact with animals; avoid contact with animals, their excretions or droppings. Wherever you travel, apply general rules governing hand and food hygiene because the virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and mouth, so avoid touching them with unwashed hands.

·        Is there a vaccine against 2019-nCoV?

There are currently no vaccines against coronaviruses, including 2019-nCoV. This is why it is very important to prevent infection or contain further spread of an infection. The development of vaccines takes time and several pharmaceutical companies are currently working on vaccine candidates. However, it will take months before any vaccine can be widely used as it needs to undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy.

• What is the current situation in China regarding 2019-nCoV?

The death toll in China from the coronavirus outbreak continued to climb as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the virus posed a "grave threat" to the world. Deaths in mainland China now stand at 1,113 with the number of confirmed cases nationwide totaling 44,653.

To limit the spread of the virus, the Chinese authorities have implemented a number of extraordinary control measures across the country, including in Hubei province, where the outbreak started. Among other measures, they cancelled the Lunar New Year celebrations and closed cinemas and theme parks to ensure social distancing between people. In addition, to reduce the movement of people they suspended public transportation and closed the international airport of Wuhan Tianhe. To monitor the outbreak, they have enhanced their surveillance system.

The scale of these measures is unprecedented and the economic costs of such measures to the Chinese economy are considerable. Although the effectiveness and collateral effects of these measures are difficult to predict, they are expected to limit the immediate likelihood of further spread of the virus via travellers returning from Hubei province and China in general.