2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (2019-NCOV): THE RISE OF A DEADLY EPIDEMIC

The world was awakened to the rise of a new deadly epidemic known as the “2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)”. This new type of coronavirus has put the entire global community in total dismay. Coronavirus has been defined by medical professionals as a common type of virus which affects the respiratory system, thereby leading to an acute respiratory impediment. There are other types of coronavirus that have been detected, and they include –

SARS-CoV – This is the beta coronavirus that causes the severe acute respiratory syndrome.

SARS MERS-CoV – This is the beta coronavirus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or MERS).

The recent discovery of this new type of coronavirus known as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was made in Wuhan, China, when several cases were reported about the outbreak of the disease. So far, more than 250 persons have died from this deadly disease. There have also been reported cases of persons being infected by the disease in other countries including but not limited to the United States, Australia, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Japan. The virus can be spread from human to human contact such as sneezing, coughing and coming in contact with body fluids.

So far, research is currently being carried out to get more information on the new virus such as – how long it can last on the skin surface; is there immunity from the virus? However, it is generally known that there is no medication or cure for the disease, and this is because it is a new strain of coronavirus. The World Health Organization have so far escalated this epidemic and also have stated ways people can stay safe from the rapidly spreading epidemic. These include –

1. Use of face mask – People have been advised to ensure that they wear a face mask at all time. In as much as this seems to be a better protective measure, it not a full assurance of being safe and secured from the infection. There are also openings on the face mask where the virus might easily penetrate through.
2. Wash your hands often – Washing of hands regularly is another effective way of battling the virus. Never touch any part of your face with unclean hands. The virus might get in through any of the affected parts.
3. Avoid close contact with farm and wild animals.
4. Stay hydrated at all times.

The World Health Organization had given the highest warning level for this virus. Countries around the world are taking preventive measures to ensure that their citizens do not get affected. Some of the countries like Russia is set to close its border to China and other countries with a high level of people affected by the virus. It is uncertain that the production of a vaccine to fight off the virus can be done within a year. Therefore, most people are concerned about containing the disease at this crucial period. Most people have argued that the restriction of movement between countries would not stop the rapid spread of the virus. However, the restriction can help to slow down the rate which the virus is spreading.