Coronavirus

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally.

Public health officials and partners are working hard to identify the source of the 2019-nCoV. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Analysis of the genetic tree of this virus is ongoing to know the specific source of the virus. SARS, another coronavirus that emerged to infect people, came from civet cats, while MERS, another coronavirus that emerged to infect people, came from camels.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure.

Infection with 2019-nCoV is diagnosed by finding evidence of the virus in respiratory samples such as swabs from the throat or fluid from the lungs. Testing for 2019-nCoV is done in public health laboratories.

The novel coronavirus (n-CoV) can be spread from person to person, most likely by coughing or contact with respiratory secretions of people infected with the virus.

There have been a small number of cases of transmission from person to person occurring outside of mainland China. All confirmed cases in NSW to 1 February 2020 were infected with the virus whilst overseas.

Health care providers and laboratories should report suspect 2019 nCoV cases immediately (within 3 hours) to their local health department, who should report cases to IDPH within the same time frame.

If you are studying in China, follow advice from your local school and the Chinese government, and update yourself on WHO recommendations as well as the latest information from your embassy in China. The FCO currently advises British citizens in China who are able to leave, to do so; the British Consulates-General in Wuhan and Chongqing are currently closed. The WHO also recommends regularly checking advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre.

There is preliminary evidence of a very small number of people who may have been infectious before their symptoms developed. More information about this new virus is needed in order to understand when a person becomes infectious.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

Follow advice from your local healthcare provider and the local government, and update yourself on WHO recommendations as well as the latest information from your embassy in China (or Dubai). The WHO also recommends regularly checking advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre.

Diagnosis occurs through laboratory testing of respiratory specimens and serum (blood). Some coronavirus strains cause the common cold and patients tested by their health care provider may test positive for these types. The 2019 nCoV strain can only be detected at a public health laboratory.

Currently there are no available vaccines that protect against coronaviruses.

There is no specific treatment. Early diagnosis and general supportive care are important. Most of the time, symptoms will resolve on their own. People who have serious disease with complications can be cared for in hospital.

Current symptoms reported for patients with 2019-nCoV have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever1, cough, and difficulty breathing.

2019 nCoV has been shown to spread between people. It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. Human coronaviruses typically spread through the air by coughing and sneezing.

If you develop a fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after traveling to China, you should immediately call your local health department. They will work with a healthcare provider to assess your symptoms. If you seek medical attention, it is extremely important that you call before you go and describe your symptoms and travel history.