Coronavirus: global health crisis

Coronavirus threatens world health - 10th February 2020

There is a highly dangerous new virus called 2019 Novel Coronavirus. It has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation.

The virus was first identified in the city of Wuhan, China, last December. It has now spread to 26 countries and health officials around the world are concerned. Experts predict infection rates will continue to rise. They also think the virus will spread more widely. As this type of Coronavirus may not show any symptoms for up to 14 days, people are often unaware they are infected.

One in five cases is severe and each infected person is passing the virus on to around two or three other people. An international effort will be needed to bring Coronavirus under control. Symptoms begin with a fever, then a dry cough develops, which causes shortness of breath. This may then develop into pneumonia and require hospital treatment.

Chinese authorities first stated that human-to-human infection wasn't possible. They delayed important decisions to contain the disease. Now, cities in China have been closed and new hospitals built.

Viruses move between species all the time, but only diseases in humans are detected. Novel Coronavirus started being widely transferred at a seafood market. However, the first case was not connected to the Wuhan market.

Tough state action is needed to stop new infections. Public health controls include limiting movement, frequent hand washing, and isolating the sick. Medical staff require protective clothing and specialists are trying to find and test anyone who has been in contact with the virus.