The new virus, reported recently from Wuhan city of China has captured worldwide attention. This new virus which is temporarily named “2019-nCoV is a corona virus , which is a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). In humans, this virus causes respiratory infections which are typically mild including the common cold but rarer forms like SARS and MERS can be lethal. In cows, pigs, dogs and cats they may cause diarrhea, while in chickens it can cause an upper respiratory disease. This information was shared by Dr Kirti Dua, Incharge Centre for Wildlife Studies and Professor Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana,
He revealed that it appears that animal-based corona virus jump into humans and cause severe illness only on rare occasions. But when they jump, they may mutate during their multiplication. In the present scenario, it is suspected that wildlife food trade in Wuhan city, which includes, bats, civets, porcupines, turtles, bamboo rats and many kids of birds played a significant role in the virus outbreak. He informed that Human-to-human spread has been confirmed but how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading remains unknown. There are no vaccines or antiviral drugs that are approved for prevention or treatment.
World Health Organization’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses also include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices. There are some remedies for safety purpose, frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands. Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider. While visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals. The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
