The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
This January can't seem to end soon enough. With all that's happened, the US-Iran standoff, the downing of an airliner, the eruption of Taal and now the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), its new technical name rears its ugly head to torment humans. The virus has been determined to center from the city of Wuhan in central China. It serves as a major hub with many flights and trains going to the other major cities. What makes the timing worse is the coming Lunar New Year, where people travel or migrate back to their respective origins. Authorities have localized the source of the virus to a public market that sold exotic meat like peacock, civets, koala, salamanders, and even rats. A coronavirus may have originated from an animal and then infected a human, causing lateral spreading. To date, there are close to 500 cases of Wuhan coronavirus infections and 17 deaths.
Other countries have already confirmed the presence of infected persons like the US, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Macau. They are now closely watching their borders to prevent further entry of the disease and cause an outbreak. A boy from China entered Cebu with flu-like symptoms and was immediately quarantined. Health Sec. Duque clarified that he has a "non-specific coronavirus" and had sent samples to Australia to identify the strain. The results should be coming in soon. As far as the boy is concerned, he seems to be getting better.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently deliberating as to the guideline of travel to and from China to contain the disease. Wuhan has already halted flights and trains going in and out if the city. The Philippines is waiting for the WHO guidelines but remains vigilant in screening all incoming passengers for fever, being the first line of defense. Remember that the Chinese are now one of the top tourists entering the country. The WHO is still hesitant to call for a global health emergency which is only used for the worst outbreaks. An outbreak in the country would be unimaginable, to say the least.
The coronavirus is inherent in many animals but only six are known to affect humans. This may be a new one. The danger is in its mode of transmission which is through the respiratory tract. China should clamp down on the sale of illegal and exotic meat. This Wuhan virus should be an eye-opener to the dangers of consuming them. I'm sure no one is surprised about the origin of this coronavirus if a public market has been identified as the source. China's penchant for eating almost everything is well known and documented.
We would do well to limit flights in and out of China, maybe even Hong Kong, as well as sea travel. Many of us already have masks because of the ash fall so keep putting them to good use. Always practice good hygiene, especially the washing of hands especially after coming from public places. Health authorities just cannot stress that enough.
What more is in store for us in the Year of the Rat?
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