Key facts That All Thais And Non-Chinese Foreigners Should Know About The New Coronavirus Virus In China

The new virus in China that is currently the centre of global attention is called the 2019-nCo V virus, the name given by the WHO or The World  Health Organisation.


A Typical Coronavirus
 
The virus belongs to a class of viruses called coronaviruses. Coronaviruses belong to the subfamily Coronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae, in the order Nidovirales. Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome and with a nucleocapsid of helical symmetry.
 
Coronaviruses typically causes infections in animals such as mammals and birds and they typically result in respiratory issues in these animals and also diarrhea tha are often fatal. The virus is zoonotic ie it can spread between animals and also humans.
 
There to date 7 known coronavirus strains including the latest to strike China.
 
-Human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E)
-Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43)
-SARS-CoV
-Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63, New Haven coronavirus)
-Human coronavirus HKU1
-Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), previously known as novel coronavirus 2012 and HCoV-EMC.
-Wuhan coronavirus (2019-nCoV), also known as novel coronavirus 2019/2020 (Wuhan pneumonia).
 
The SARS-COV and the MERS-coV are to date the most potent forms with the latter being even more deadly.
 
The latest coronavirus strain according to researchers originated from bats but were residing in snakes and is a hybrid of two strains, one identified and the other not.
 
The incubation period of the virus is still not known ie the period between a person getting infected to the time that symptoms materialize ie fevers or flu-like symptoms. To date from data collated, that period can span anywhere between 2 to 8 days. (this is an important data as it means that even airport screenings etc might not deter the spread of the virus as individuals could be infected but not showing symptoms (asymptomatic) yet.
 
The virus as of now is confirmed to be air-borne and spreadable between humans thru breathing in particles containing the virus in the air or even throug h physical contact or close proximity.
 
Like most viruses as they jump from animals to humans, they are constantly mutating and to date the new 2019-nCoV virus is definitely mutating and we are not sure if it is becoming more potent and virulent.
 
Symptoms of the viral infection include a fever, sometimes with respiratory symptoms. These might include a cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a sore throat, or a runny nose.  In critical conditions it develops into a severe pneumonia-like stage ie chest pain, shaking chills, mental confusion, fatigue and severe cough with phlegm and shortness of breath.
 
There is currently no cure or vaccines so far for the potent coronaviruses though there are vaccines still under development for the MERS-CoV strain. ( we are however looking forward anxiously for announcements  from any one of the 3 famous entities in Thailand that are famed for making false media announcements  like they did in the past about finding a cure for Ebola, Zika, HIV and even cancer, that they might come out again and say that  have a cure this time for the new coronavirus! )
 
Those infected are normally treated with NSAids, steroids etc to reduce help alleviate the symptoms.
 
Those with weakened immunity systems ie those with HIV, certain STIs, those with cancer etc along with those that are elderly ie above 55 and also young children ie those under 12 are most vulnerable to the disease and it can be fatal for them. Those with underlying chronic disease such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems etc are also at risk
 
It is highly recommended to wear mask at all times. (note that only those mask marked as N95 mask are effective) and to carry hand sanitizers, and never touch your hands on your face, mouth, nose or eyes until you have cleaned it thoroughly.  If possible stay indoors in well ventilated areas and have a air-purifier. Lysol sprays are useful to disinfect the area against viruses.
 
Stay away from crowds and more so places where Chinese tourists or expats are expected to visit such as shopping malls in areas like Rajprasong, Ratchada, Huay Kwang, Yaowarat, Charoen Krung,etc.  Stay away from Chinese temples and also Chinese restaurants and also hotels that are frequented by Chinese tourists or locations or places of interests where there are lots of Chinese tourists.  
 
To date China authorities have officially announced that 17 people have died and that more than 600 are infected in various cities in China including Wuhan, the epicenter of the infection that is now under shut down.
 
However many foreign professional experts are speculating that the amount that have died and those infected are far more higher and that there are  cover ups from the Chinese government.
 
Currently all media are prohibited from the city of Wuhan and cameras and video-taking is strictly prohibited.
 
The disease has spread to a variety of countries including the US, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Macau, Singapore and also Thailand that has had 4 cases so far.
 
Many European countries have already started issuing travel advisories with regards to avoiding travel to China and other high risk South-East Asian countries.
 
The public is advised not to listen too much to announcements by agencies  in China or even elsewhere as many critical data is being withheld and only a lot of fake news is being disseminated by the same agencies. Countries that have extremely close ties with China should be avoided as well. And if you happen to stay on one of these countries, take extra precautions as the numbers infected in that country could be high as well.
 
Do you own due diligence and take all necessary precautions.

If you come across any Chinese tourists renting rooms in condos or residential buildings for short term during the next few weeks anywhere in Thailand, immediately report them to the Immigration or local police as short term rentals are not allowed in residential condos or estates and some of these Chinese tourists carrying the virus could contaminate the whole residential estate amd make it into a quaratined zone. 

If you have any symptoms or knows anyone who has any symptoms, immediately go to the nearest hospital to seek treatment. Do not assume that it’s a normal flu or even try to self-treat.
 
Thailand Medical News will continue to provide updates on the disease and also the situation in China and elsewhere.