Coronavirus Outbreak: What Travelers Need to Know
Prevention is Better than Cure
The new coronavirus that emanated in China has killed a large numbers of people. It originally transmitted between animals and people, following an outbreak in the central city of Wuhan and nearby cities in Hubei Province.
There is currently no vaccine for this virus.
Common signs of infection include fever, cough, respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In most cases, infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome and even death.
How you can be infected
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets of mucus and saliva. These droplets can fall on people in the vicinity and can be either directly inhaled or picked up on the hands then transferred when someone touches their face, causing infection.
The best way however to prevent oneself from such infection is to avoid exposure to the virus.
According to WHO's standard recommendations for the general public and Travelers to prevent the transmission of a range of illnesses and exposure to such virus are listed below:
If you traveled recently and feel sick with fever or a cough or have difficulty breathing, you should:
The new coronavirus that emanated in China has killed a large numbers of people. It originally transmitted between animals and people, following an outbreak in the central city of Wuhan and nearby cities in Hubei Province.
There is currently no vaccine for this virus.
Common signs of infection include fever, cough, respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In most cases, infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome and even death.
How you can be infected
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets of mucus and saliva. These droplets can fall on people in the vicinity and can be either directly inhaled or picked up on the hands then transferred when someone touches their face, causing infection.
The best way however to prevent oneself from such infection is to avoid exposure to the virus.
According to WHO's standard recommendations for the general public and Travelers to prevent the transmission of a range of illnesses and exposure to such virus are listed below:
• Washing your
hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are
not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands and shaking hands.
• Avoid close
contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your
cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and
disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
To Travelers
• Avoid
non-essential travel
• Avoid
contact with sick people; suffering from or showing symptoms of acute respiratory infection.
• Discuss with you health care provider.
• Avoid animals
(alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as
uncooked meat).
• Wash hands
often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
If you traveled recently and feel sick with fever or a cough or have difficulty breathing, you should:
• Seek
medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them
about your recent travel and symptoms.
• Avoid contact
with others.
• Do not
travel while sick.
Coronavirus Outbreak: What Travelers Need to Know
Reviewed by Oluwatoyin Ajayi
on
February 08, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Oluwatoyin Ajayi
on
February 08, 2020
Rating:
No comments