Chinese virus

At the end of 2019, an outbreak of a disease caused by an unknown virus was recorded. The pathogen belongs to the group of coronaviruses, its homeland is China.

It is believed that the source for humans Chinese coronavirus served as wild animals (reptiles or bats, which are sold at the market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and are eaten in Chinese cuisine).

As of January 30.01.2020, 2020, the number of people infected with the new “Chinese virus 6” in the world exceeded 132 thousand people, 100 infected people died. About XNUMX cases of the disease have been recorded outside of China – in Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and even in Australia, which is not surprising given intercontinental air travel.

WHO experts believe that the true number of infected people is higher. It’s just that with a mild course of the disease, patients do not come to the attention of specialists.

The mortality rate from the infection is comparable to that from seasonal influenza. Just like with the flu, virtually all those who died from the 2019-nCoV coronavirus belonged to risk groups – age over 60 years, concomitant diseases of the lungs or heart.

A WHO special commission classified the situation with 2019-nCoV as an emergency, but not an emergency. In this regard, it is worth remembering the situation with another coronavirus infection – SARS.

In 2002, SARS caused an outbreak of the disease, affecting 8098 people. 774 people died. There were also panicky forecasts, SARS was called the new plague of the XNUMXst century, but within a year, the disease disappeared. Cross-border cordons and well-known antiviral drugs helped. There was no epidemic.

Chinese virus 2019-nCoV

  • The 2019-nCoV virus is a variant of the coronavirus that has not yet been transmitted to humans.
  • Researchers believe that the virus most likely spread to humans from animals;
  • The genome of the virus has been completely deciphered, rapid diagnostic tests have been developed, and antiviral drugs are in the process of being developed;
  • Modes of transmission of the Chinese virus: with contaminated food; poorly cooked meat and eggs. By airborne droplets and contact during close contact;
  • Incubation period – up to 14 days;
  • Symptoms of Chinese virus infection similar to the symptoms of any other acute respiratory viral infection: fever, cough, difficulty breathing. Differences – no runny nose;
  • A severe course of the disease with the development of pneumonia is observed in 25% of patients;
  • The mortality rate is about 5%, but this calculation is made on a group of patients with severe disease, since erased cases are not diagnosed, so the real mortality rate should be lower. At risk are people weakened by concomitant diseases, diabetes, the elderly, children;

Why the new virus is alarming:

  • The virus has variability as a result of the mutation process, this allowed it to overcome the interspecies barrier and begin to be transmitted from animals to people and from person to person;
  • There may be variability in the direction of increasing infectivity and virulence, the probability of which cannot be accurately determined;
  • In the era of globalization and intensive transport links between countries, the risk of developing global epidemics is high. This applies not only to the new coronavirus, but to all contagious infectious diseases;
  • Since the virus was discovered recently, it has not yet been sufficiently studied and specific antiviral drugs have not been developed;
  • If there is a risk of an epidemic, WHO recommends considering the situation as highly dangerous, which allows mobilizing the international community to prevent the epidemic.

How to reduce the risk of contracting the Chinese virus:

  • Do not visit endemic areas of China; it is better to refrain from traveling, especially with children, until the threat is localized;
  • If you have to travel on an airplane, it is better to wear a mask;
  • Do not touch unfamiliar animals, do not visit petting zoos; avoid eating in exotic places;
  • Avoid close contact with an infected person, since coronavirus can be transmitted both by airborne droplets and by contact.
  • Use disinfectants after traveling in transport and using public places;
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy and varied, try to spend enough time in the fresh air – all this strengthens the immune system;
  • Consult your physician about taking prophylactic antiviral medications;
  • If your temperature rises and ARVI symptoms appear, do not self-medicate, do not go to work, overcoming yourself. Consult a doctor and spend a few days at home;

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