The year has been off to a bad start thanks to the outbreak of a mysterious new virus that is aggressively spreading with 4,500 cases of infection reported in China.
The disease is said to have originated from a seafood market in the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei province and has rapidly spread globally with 3 cases being reported in New Delhi, others in France, Germany and 5 Cases in the U.S.A.
A few hours ago, a passenger from Guangzhou, China with flu-like symptoms was quarantined at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport over fears of carrying the virus.
This is because some symptoms of the flu are similar to the novel Coronavirus.
Just like the flu, the disease exhibits symptoms like fever, dry cough, sore throat and a runny nose.
Other symptoms of the respiratory virus include; headaches, nasal congestion, a general feeling of being unwell, shortness of breath and pneumonia in both lungs.
While health experts have said the disease is not as bad as SARS and MERS, people have been asked to be vigilant as patients can spread the disease without showing any symptoms.
To stay on the safe side, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)has issued some simple preventive actions to help stop the spread.
These include;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
For those infected they should:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor to help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected.
- Wear a facemask
- Cover your coughs and sneezes – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing household items
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Monitor your symptoms (Get medical care quickly if your illness is getting worse eg; if you are having trouble breathing).
If you have been to China in the past 14 days seek medical help. The CDC advises that you should call the office of your health care provider before going in. Tell them of your travel and symptoms so that they can take steps to keep other people from getting infected.