This is the word you must have been hearing non-stop in the news and reading all across the newspaper headlines. The 2019 Novel CoronaVirus has the entire world worried and for good reason. What is the reason? It is CONTAGIOUS. So the panic is real. However, we at MomsKnowBest always believe in being well informed about everything that is happening to avoid the panic and to facilitate necessary precautions to put up a good fight against this outbreak.
We crawled the web and went to the most trusted sources (WHO and Ministry of Health on twitter) to compile all the legit information that you must know. Here are all your how's and why’s answered!
What is the 2019 Novel CoronaVirus?
Also known as 2019-nCoV, is a new virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is named novel as it has not been previously identified.
Has anyone in India got the infection?
No. Thus far, there is no report of any laboratory-confirmed case 2019-nCoV. Suspected cases are being identified through disease surveillance in India.
Should you be tested for 2019- novel CoronaVirus?
If you develop acute onset of fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, you should visit nearest health facility and the doctor's will decide if you need to be tested for 2019- novel CoronaVirus depending upon your history of travel to China/ affected countries or contact with any suspected/ lab-confirmed case.
How can you help protect yourself?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
*The list of affected countries is available on WHO website (www.who.int) and would be updated from time to time. Watch out for these updates.
What should you do if you had close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV?
Self-monitor your health starting from the day of last contact with such a case and continue for 28 days. Watch for the development of acute onset of signs and symptoms
If you observe any of the above symptoms visit the nearest health facility for further advice and treatment. Further, you must furnish the details of exposure of such patients to your health care worker.
If you observe any of the above symptoms visit the nearest health facility for further advice and treatment. Further, you must furnish the details of exposure of such patients to your health care worker.
What should you do to take charge of the situation?
Do not panic by believing every WhatsApp forward you receive about the 2019 Novel CoronaVirus (nCoV). Watch out for official updates on the Ministry of Health’s & WHO's Twitter handle.