Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak 2019 - 2020
- Updated by WHO -

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What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that infect both animals and humans. Human coronaviruses can cause mild disease similar to a common cold, while others cause more severe disease (such as MERS - Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Some coronaviruses that are found in animals can infect humans – these are known as zoonotic diseases.

What is known about the disease identified in Wuhan China?

o It is caused by a novel coronavirus (called 2019-nCoV)
o Infection with this virus causes respiratory disease ranging from mild to severe disease.
o Some infected patients have died from infection (people with serious underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe disease and death)

What is NOT known about the disease?

o Where it came from?
o How easily is it spreads between people?
o Who is vulnerable to infection?

Timeline of the outbreak

Dec 2019 - 1 st case December 12

o Cases linked to a Seafood Market in Wuhan City China

January Week 1

- China reports to WHO a total of 59 patients with pneumonia of unknown etiology
January Week 2

o Diagnostic test developed & confirms 41 cases in China
o Thailand reports 1 case
o 1 death reported in China

January Week 3

o Japan reports 1 case
o Thailand reports a second case
o A second death reported in China

January Week 4

Total of 571 confirmed cases in mainland China,
4 in Thailand, 1 in Japan,
1 in Republic of Korea, 1 in the United States of America,
1 in Taiwan, China

o A total of 17 people have died
o Of the 571 cases, 95 are severe cases
o Some human to human transmission is occurring
As per Official report data as of 23.01.2020 10:00 Beijing.

Important events

o Initial cases all linked to Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan City, China. The Market was closed 01.01.20 for environmental sanitation and disinfection
o On 10 January, WHO launched a website with updated general and travel guidance
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
o On 11 January, China shared the genetic sequence of nCoV enabling the rapid development of diagnostic tests
o The cases in Thailand, Japan and Republic of Korea were all travelers from Wuhan City

What is being done to control the outbreak? What are affected countries doing?

o Remaining vigilant for new cases and providing care for existing cases
o Implementing screening of travelers
o Sharing information with WHO and other countries What is WHO doing?
o Supporting affected countries and providing guidance on how to manage the outbreak
o Working with global networks of researchers and experts to deliver accurate, updated information
o Delivering accurate, timely information to the world

Public health advice: summary

Frequently clean hands by using alcoholbased hand rub or soap and water Cover mouth and nose with a medical mask, tissue, or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing. Wash hands afterwards and discard mask or tissue. Avoid unprotected close contact with people with fever and cough and seek medical care if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing

When visiting live markets, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals Stay healthy and protect yourself from infection If you become sick while travelling, inform crew, seek medical attention early and share travel history

Safe travel guidance

Before you depart:
Avoid travel if you have a fever and cough
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical attention and share previous travel history with your health care provider

During travel:
o Avoid close contact with people suffering from a fever and cough
o Frequently wash hands by using alcohol based hand rub or soap and water
o Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
o Cover mouth and nose with tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing and wash hands afterwards
o If you choose to wear a face mask, be sure to cover mouth and nose.
o Avoid touching mask once it’s on, immediately discard single-use mask after each use and wash hands after removing masks.
o If you become sick while travelling, inform crew and seek medical attention
o If you seek medical attention, share travel history with your health care provider

Food safety guidance: Guidance for shopping in wet markets

o Wash hands with soap and water after touching animals and animal products
o Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
o Avoid contact with sick animals and spoiled meat
o Avoid contact with stray animals, waste and fluids in market
o Avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals
o Stay healthy at markets

Guidance for working in wet markets 24/01/2020

o Frequently washing hands with soap and water after touching animals and animal products
o Disinfect equipment and working area at least once a day
o Wear protective gowns, gloves and facial protection while handling animals and fresh animal products
o Remove protective clothing after work, wash daily and leave at the work site
o Avoid exposing family members to soiled work clothing and shoes