World on High Alert, Coronavirus Proven to Be Transmissible Between Humans and Hundreds of People Already Infected

Kapanlagi.com - China is currently being hit by the coronavirus, an epidemic similar to SARS. There have been over 200 people diagnosed with the virus and 3 deaths. Health experts have confirmed that the coronavirus can be transmitted between humans.

"It is clear that there has been at least some human-to-human transmission based on the evidence we have, but we do not have clear evidence to suggest that the virus has acquired the capacity to transmit easily among humans," said Dr. Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

"We need more information to analyze this," he added.

The number of cases has rapidly increased in China towards the end of the year, particularly in the Wuhan region, the epicenter of the outbreak. This is evident from the increased testing of individuals with symptoms such as fever and cough.

1. All Countries on Alert

With the rapid spread of the corona virus, all countries are on high alert. Many countries have implemented screening measures, especially ahead of the Chinese New Year, such as at international airports in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

In Wuhan itself, containment measures have already been taken. Health service officers have been deployed in 11 million cities. Strict checks are also conducted on people boarding planes and trains.

2. Evolving and Infecting Humans

© Shutterstock.com

The corona virus belongs to a large family of viruses that cause illness in humans. According to the CDC, this virus is transmitted by animals such as camels, cats, and bats. Although this virus is considered rare, it can evolve and infect humans.

In addition to China, the corona virus has spread to Japan and Thailand. Thailand itself has reported 2 cases last week. Meanwhile, Japan has one case. It is known that all those affected by these cases either live in Wuhan or have spent time there.

3. Indonesian Hospitals

In Indonesia itself, several hospitals have also been prepared to face situations like at Hasan Bandung Hospital. The hospital has a special infectious disease response team for diseases such as bird flu, swine flu, and Singapore flu, and there are also isolation rooms.

"So people who should be suspected are those who have symptoms like fever. Well, not all fevers, because in small children, in the elderly, in people with weakened immune systems, there may not be a fever. Then there is coughing, shortness of breath, and a history in the past two weeks of being in Wuhan, be careful. Maybe that is the cause of the novel coronavirus 2019 Wuhan China," said Primal as quoted by Liputan6.com.

4. Transmission Method

© Shutterstock.com

Although it is known that this virus originated from animals, it is not yet known how it is transmitted from animals to humans.

"For other coronaviruses like SARS, it can be transmitted through coughing, sputum, and droplets of saliva from animals or direct contact with the animals. For this one, we don't know exactly how the transmission process works," explained Primal.

This virus is almost similar to SARS and MERS, as seen from the symptoms of high fever, coughing, and experiencing shortness of breath.

(kpl/gen)