CORONAVIRUS

ABHIRAM S.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). So far, 106 people have died across China with over 4500 people across 16 different nations contracting the illness. The coronavirus is showing no signs of slowing with the number of people

affected almost doubling as each day passes.

The virus is thought to have originated in the seafood market in Wuhan, China before passing from person to person, as those not infected with the virus come into contact with infected air droplets arising from the sneezing, coughing or speaking from those affected. Once infected with the virus, the person could potentially

develop a life threatening form of pneumonia called SARS. The most common symptoms of SARS are coughing, difficulty breathing, a fever of 38.0°C and fatigue. But perhaps the most frightening characteristic of the virus is that symptoms will only show after 2 to 10 days of initially contracting the virus. This would mean that an infected person could pass on the virus to multiple others before even realising something is wrong themselves.

What is being done about the virus?

Given other coronaviruses killed 774 and 858 in 2002 and 2012 respectively, scientists and global agencies are desperately trying to contain the outbreak with the World Health Organisation contemplating making the issue a public health emergency, alongside past pandemics including the Ebola virus and the influenza pandemic. However, it still seems inadequate. It is estimated 5 million residents of Wuhan left the region before lockdown with approximately 300,000 people infected globally including those undetected carriers. Nevertheless, the authorities are fighting to keep that number as low as possible. With a vaccine seeming out of reach in the short term, the only option is to prevent transmission of the virus through the air. As a result, the region of Wuhan has been placed on lockdown preventing anyone coming in or out of the region. Additionally, many foreign nations including the UK, are strongly advising against travelling to mainland China with Hong Kong suspending all modes of transport into the country. France, India and South Korea have announced plans to airlift out foreign nationals stranded in Wuhan and a large number of countries are proactively screening travellers that have recently departed from the region.

Although the virus appears to be spreading, it is important to not panic. Past experiences have taught us that a targeted approach and preventative techniques are the most effective way of containing and arresting outbreaks – even more than sweeping quarantines.