Novel Coronavirus: Health authorities on alert | Sunday Observer

Novel Coronavirus: Health authorities on alert

19 January, 2020

People planning to go abroad need not restrict their travel over fears of the mystery SARS-like virus, Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that broke out in China, a statement from the Ministry of Health noted.

It pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against slapping travel restrictions on travel to China based on the available information.

Consultant Epidemiologist, Dr. Samitha Ginige of the Epidemiology Unit told the Sunday Observer that health officials are closely monitoring alerts issued by the WHO with regard to the virus that broke-out in China leaving nations concerned.

The virus known as 2019-nCoV was first reported in Wuhan City in Hubei Province of China. To date two deaths, both Chinese nationals, have been reported and the WHO shows that 41 were confirmed to have contracted the disease.

Meanwhile, three cases were found outside of China - from Thailand and Japan - and both patients had fallen sick after visiting Wuhan City.

On Wednesday, January 15, the WHO stated “It is not surprising that there are cases outside of China, and it is possible that there will be cases in other countries in the future,” as it encouraged all countries to continue preparedness activities.

The WHO is still in the early stages of understanding this new virus, where it came from, and how it affects people. “There is still many unknowns, and the situation may continue to evolve”.

Dr. Ginige pointed out that there was no cause for alarm. He said that Sri Lanka is well-equipped to quarantine people entering the country. The Quarantine and Epidemiology Units are constantly monitoring such outbreaks.

“So far there is no harm to Sri Lanka. We have clear preparedness,” Dr. Ginige said, adding if there are sick travellers entering the country the Health Office at Bandaranaike International Airport will take precautionary measures.

In a statement, the WHO stated as provided by the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), countries should ensure that: routine measures, trained staff, appropriate space and stocks of adequate equipment in place at points of entry for assessing and managing ill travellers detected before travel, on board conveyances (such as planes and ships) and on arrival at points of entry; procedures and means are in place for communicating information on ill travellers between conveyances and points of entry as well as between points of entry and national health authorities; safe transportation of symptomatic travellers to hospitals or designated facilities for clinical assessment and treatment has been organised; a functional public health emergency contingency plan at points of entry in place to respond to public health events.

Dr. Ginige said that the last 2019-nCoV case was reported on January 3 and almost all the cases seemed to have originated in Wuhan City showing that the virus can be controlled. Of the 41 cases, only seven were found to be serious. Health authorities have also monitored around 700 people who were close to the patients and found that they were virus-free.

“This shows that there is no strong human to human transmission of this virus,” Dr. Ginige said.

According to the WHO, common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

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