{"id":4112,"date":"2020-02-13T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-13T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/repoffice.rafflesmedical.com.kh\/?p=4112"},"modified":"2020-02-13T13:06:22","modified_gmt":"2020-02-13T06:06:22","slug":"outbreak-of-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-in-wuhan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/repoffice.rafflesmedical.com.kh\/kh\/outbreak-of-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-in-wuhan\/","title":{"rendered":"OUTBREAK OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK IN WUHAN"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 30 December 2019, local authorities were alerted to the development of a cluster of 27 cases of severe pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan city, Hubei Province of China. By the evening of 3rd<\/sup> Jan 2020, the number had jumped to 44 cases, and by 5th<\/sup> Jan, 59 cases had been identified.\u00a0 Amongst them, 7 patients are said to be in a critical condition and a further 163 people placed under observation.<\/p>\n

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Symptoms:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

It is not possible to distinguish clearly between symptoms of the common cold, in\ufb02uenza and the 2019- nCoV. The common symptoms include fever, cough, in more severe cases, shortness of breath, especially when there is pneumonia. About 20 per cent of those infected are at risk of serious complications especially the elderly and those with chronic disease. The fatality rate stands around 2.1 per cent.<\/p>\n

When and where to seek treatment<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Travellers returning from Wuhan should\u00a0 monitor their health closely and to seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell.\u00a0 They should first put on a face mask and seek medical attention immediately in the nearest hospital.<\/p>\n

Suspected cases<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The MOH definition of a suspect case of the 2019-nCoV infection was expanded on 25 January to be:
\na. A person with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of pneumonia or severe respiratory infection with breathlessness AND travel to mainland China within 14 days before onset of illness;
\nOR
\nb. A person with an acute respiratory illness of any degree of severity who, within 14 days before onset of illness had:
\ni. Been to Wuhan city or Hubei Province, China; OR
\nii. Been to a hospital in mainland China; OR
\niii. Had close contact with a case of 2019 novel coronavirus infection cluster.<\/p>\n

Mode of Transmission and Infectiousness<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Preliminary studies suggest that incubation period for the 2019-nCoV can range from two to 14 days. The incubation period is the time between when a patient gets infected and when they start displaying symptoms.
\nThe extent of transmission in pre-symptomatic individuals is currently still being investigated.
\nLike other human coronaviruses, transmission of the 2019-nCoV occurs through droplets and can happen through:
\n\u2022 Coughing and sneezing
\n\u2022 Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
\n\u2022 Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.<\/p>\n

However, researchers from a hospital in the city of Shenzhen have warned about an additional faecal-oral transmission of coronavirus, having detected genetic traces of the new coronavirus in the stool of patents. Squat latrines, common in China, lacking covers and hands that are not washed thoroughly with soap and water after visiting the bathroom could be a source of virus transmission.<\/p>\n

Diagnosis <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Based on clinical assessment, relevant testing for pneumonia or other viral respiratory syndromes will be undertaken by the managing physician or infectious disease team.<\/p>\n

Treatment <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Medical care of viral pneumonia is largely supportive using medication and to help relieve symptoms and address complications such as bacterial infections.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Standard infection control measures to reduce transmission of respiratory secretions include:<\/p>\n