Introduction:
On December 31st, 2019, the WHO Regional Office in China was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. On January 7th, 2020, the Chinese authorities announced they had identified a new virus that causes these cases.
FAQ
What are Coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
What are the species of coronaviruses that have been discovered so far and that humans can be infected with from an animal source?
The SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans in 2002 in China and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. Also, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) had some link to the seafood and animal market in Wuhan, China.
What is (COVID-19)?
It is the new coronavirus and most cases appeared in the Chinese city, Wuhan at the end of December 2019 in the form of acute pneumonia.
How the virus identified?
The virus was identified through genetic sequences.
What is the origin of the virus?
It is believed that the COVID-19 originated in animals and most cases appeared in the seafood and animal market in Wuhan.
Can the virus spread from person to person?
Yes, the virus can spread from the infected person to another person through close contact without protection.
I just came from China having high temperature and shortness of breath ... what shall I do?
Visit the nearest health facility, for more information call the 937 Service Center.
Can the COVID-19 spread through shipments coming from China?
According to available information, the goods imported from China pose no risk.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The typical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other less common symptoms, which some patients may develop, include: loss of taste or smell (anosmia), aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, and diarrhea. In some cases, patients may develop pneumonia. It may cause severe complications in persons with immunodeficiency, the elderly and persons with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and lung diseases. If you have any of these symptoms call the 937 Service Center.
Key Actions for COVID-19 Prevention:
- Personal hygiene
- Practice safe sneezing and coughing etiquette.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has common cold or flu symptoms.
- Avoid unsafe handling animals, whether they are wild or on the farm.
Sneezing etiquette to prevent infection:
Tips for travellers:
- Avoid approaching people having signs of a cold, flu, or cough.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing hands.
- Avoid dealing with wild animals or in farms.
- When feeling tired visit the nearest health facility to check your health status.