The world has just been stirred by the Coronavirus Novel (2019-nCoV), a new virus that plagues Chinese citizens, especially in the Wuhan area. At present there have been thousands of cases and dozens of deaths from the virus that attacks this respiratory tract.
Based on the latest information, the corona virus killed at least 42 people and infected about 1,400 since it was first detected in Wuhan City. Not only in mainland China, the virus has also spread abroad such as Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, and Nepal.
On Saturday 25 January 2020, Australia confirmed that there were four cases of corona virus first in Melbourne and then three in Sydney. The virus has also spread to Europe, with three confirmed cases in France.
Meanwhile the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet concluded the exact source of the corona virus. However, it is most likely derived from animals.
“The source is still unknown (most likely an animal reservoir) and the extent of human-to-human transmission is unclear,” the WHO official statement on January 23, 2020.
The following is a series of facts about the corona virus
1. New virus
Coronavirus novel (2019-nCoV) is a family of coronavirus that has never been found before. Usually, coronavirus comes from animals. However, this virus has been transmitted from human to human with an estimate, every person infected with the corona virus will potentially transmit to two or three other people through air contamination.
2. One family with SARS and MERS
Before the 2019-nCoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SAR) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) had already existed. Both of these viruses are caused by corona viruses that come from animals. Reporting from The Guardian, in 2002 SARS spread almost uncontrollably to 37 countries, causing global panic, infecting more than 8,000 people and killing more than 750 people.
Then MERS has a greater death rate, killing 35 percent of the approximately 2,500 people who have been infected.
3. Influenza-like symptoms
The thing to watch out for is the symptoms of 2019-nCoV which is almost similar to influenza. Among fever, cough, runny nose, respiratory problems, sore throat, until tired and lethargic. But in severe cases, organ failure can occur.
4. There is no vaccine yet
The difference between this virus and the flu is that there is no vaccine for 2018-nCoV, which means that this condition is more difficult for vulnerable population members such as the elderly, children, or those who have respiratory and immune problems.
5. There are ways to prevent
Based on an appeal circulated by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, there are several precautions to protect themselves from this 2019-nCoV virus. Here’s how to prevent it:
– Wash your hands often with soap
– Use a mask when coughing or runny nose
– Consume balanced nutrition by increasing vegetables and fruits
– Be careful of contact with animals
– Avoid consuming meat that is not cooked
– Diligent exercise and enough rest
– If coughing, colds and shortness of breath, immediately go to a health care facility.