Guard against coronavirus

Earlier this week, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, warned residents to take precautionary measures against being infected with a new virus known as coronavirus.

Though Idris noted that the infection had yet to be detected in the state, the virus has claimed over 80 lives globally, especially in the Middle East. Idris therefore urged Lagos residents to know what it’s all about, as well as how to guard against catching the bug.

He advised residents to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, the World Health Organisation has been informed of a total of 90 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with coronavirus — otherwise called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus — while approximately 45 deaths have been recorded so far.

And because of the deadly nature of this virus, the WHO has convened an Emergency Committee, under the International Health Regulations, to advise the Director-General on the status of the current situation.

The Emergency Committee, which comprises international experts from all WHO regions, unanimously advised that, with the information now available, and using a risk-assessment approach, the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern have not at present been met.

But then, what is coronavirus and why is it such a global health concern?

According to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, coronaviruses are common viruses that most people get some time in their lives.

In humans, epidemiologists say, the viruses usually cause mild-to-moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses.

Experts say human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid 1960s, and they identified five strains that can infect people. They are alpha coronaviruses 229E, NL63 beta coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, and SARS-CoV — the coronavirus strain that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

Route of infection

Scientists warn that SARS-CoV can infect people and animals, including monkeys, cats, dogs, and rodents, thus making it very deadly; as the virus can infect whoever comes into contact with an infected person or animal.

Epidemiologists note that it is likely that human coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing; and also through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.

Family physician, Dr. Godwin Anyaebe, warns that these viruses may also spread when you touch contaminated objects or surfaces, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Authorities at CDC note that in one case, the SARS virus was thought to spread through infected stool that got into the air; people breathed this in and got infected.

Symptoms

Physicians say, in general, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome begins with a high fever. “Other symptoms may include headache, an overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches,” Anyaebe notes.

Scientists at CDC say some people also have mild respiratory symptoms at the outset, while about 10-20 per cent of patients have diarrhoea.

After two to seven days, researchers say, SARS patients may develop a dry cough, while most patients develop pneumonia.

They also warn that human coronaviruses usually cause mild-to-moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses of short duration, and the symptoms may include runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever.

Scientists say lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia, are more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease (a medical condition in which the heart and lungs don’t function properly); or those with compromised immune systems (such as people living with HIV/AIDS); or the elderly.

Protect yourself

There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection, experts lament.  However, they say, you may be able to reduce your risk of infection by—

•         Washing your hands often with soap and water,

•         Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and

•         Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Curb the spread

The World Health Organisation says the first recorded coronavirus death was in June last year in Saudi Arabia. Again, in May, France said a 65-year-old man was in hospital after being diagnosed with the coronavirus after a holiday in Dubai.

Health authorities in the United Arab Emirate have also announced that an 82-year-old man had been diagnosed with the MERS coronavirus infection, the first case to be recorded in the Gulf state.

Meanwhile, health officials in Saudi Arabia have asked those preparing to visit Mecca and Medina to wear masks in crowded places in order to stop the spread of the virus.

The British Broadcasting Corporation reports that pilgrims visiting Mecca’s holy sites have been handed a list of requirements issued by the Saudi health ministry. The ministry also advises elderly people or those with chronic diseases to postpone their pilgrimage.

People who are privileged to take part in the pilgrimage have also been advised to maintain personal hygiene standards, use a tissue paper when sneezing or coughing, and have the necessary vaccinations.

Experts say if you already have an illness caused by human coronaviruses, you can help protect others by—

•         Staying at home while you are sick

•         Drinking plenty of liquids

•         Avoiding close contact with others

•         Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and

•         Keeping objects and surfaces clean and disinfected.

No treatment option… yet

For now, experts are struggling to understand the virus. As such, there are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses.

Most people with coronavirus illness will recover on their own, experts say; though some things can be done to relieve your symptoms, such as—

•         Taking pain and fever medications (caution: Aspirin should not be given to children), and

•         Using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Adapted variously from: cdc.gov; who.int; bbc.org