Novel Coronavirus

• Novel Coronavirus is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans.

• Wuhan City, in China's Hubei province is identified as the ground zero for the outbreak.

• These viruses are zoonoses, which mean they can infect certain animals and spread from one animal to another.

• The new coronavirus has been named as novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is the seventh coronavirus known to affect humans.

• According to reports, thousands of people have already come in contact of this virus which causes respiratory illness. Snakes and bats could be the source of coronavirus, but the actual case is yet to be confirmed.

• Most common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, and cough. Also upper respiratory infection, including running nose, coughing and sore throat are also the symptoms of the infection. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing is also observed in the people affected by the virus.

• If the corona virus spread to the lower respiratory tract, it can cause pneumonia. Older people, people with heart disease or people with immune system can suffer from pulmonary inflammation due to the virus.

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection, so treatment is supportive.

• The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. For the sickest patients with this illness,specialized, aggressive care in an intensive care unit (ICU) can be lifesaving. WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.