Coronavirus Racing in Delhi, February 14, 2020: With more than 1300 dead and 60,000 infected across the globe, coronavirus is thriving hard to become pandemic. Perhaps the recent statement of WHO adviser is aligned in the same lines. Ira Longini who tracked studies of the virus’s transmissibility in China believes, that COVID-19 could infect two-third of the globe. The outbreak has triggered an alarm for the world, ripping-off their illusions of preparedness for the upcoming health challenges.
Pandemic means
According to experts, it could potentially become a pandemic. Though currently, it falls short of WHO’s defined pandemic standards. As per WHO a pandemic is the worldwide spread of disease. The speed with which the virus is circulating, soon it could grip every continent.
Is the virus deadlier?
As per the experts, the mortality of novel coronavirus is merely 4%. As compared to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) this is much lower. Despite that, the virus has so far claimed almost double the lives which were lost during SARS.
According to Ira Longini estimates the number of actual infections could reach in billions. The casual approach towards the disease and lapses in healthcare made it deadlier.
China’s ignorance
In recent years the most dreaded viruses have emerged from bats. It includes SARS, MERS, Ebola and Marburg and many more. In a country like China where bats are part of the human food chain, situations can deteriorate. Gaining experience from the 2003 SARS outbreak, China could have kept an eye on its consumption. It is due to the bat’s fierce immune system that the virus turns more virulence. Hence they create havoc.
Infections outside China are rising
USA’s CDS has confirmed the 15th case of coronavirus infection. Concurrently it is gripping Asia and Europe. On one hand, it has put in danger the lives of people. On the other, the threat is looming over the global economy. As a result, if not contained in due course of time, it can certainly cripple the global economy.
Symptoms include
Several symptoms can indicate the infection from the virus. These include runny nose, headache, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can also lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. These symptoms can appear in a day or two after contracting an infection. Sometimes these remain dormant for around 14 days after the exposure.
Prevention
To prevent Coronavirus Racing infection, one should wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In case of unavailability of soap, hand sanitizer can be used. Also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Simultaneously keeping distance with people who are sick is essential. In case of sickness, one should avoid going to public places as the illness could spread in others.