FAQs on Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
1. What are
coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses causing a
range of illnesses, from the common cold to more serious infections such as
those caused by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus can also cause a variety of diseases in farm animals and
domesticated pets.
2. What are
the symptoms and possible complications of a coronavirus infection?
Common signs of coronavirus infection include
flu-like and respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and
breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute
respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
3. Where did
the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) originate?
On 31 December 2019, a clustering of pneumonia cases
of unknown etiology was reported in Wuhan, China. The outbreak was later
determined to be caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), a new coronavirus
strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
4. How is the
2019-nCoV transmitted?
On January 24, 2020, the World Health Organization
has confirmed human-to-human transmission largely in Wuhan City, China.
However, there is not enough information yet to draw a definitive conclusion
about the intensity of human-to-human transmission, full clinical features, and
the original source of the outbreak.
Health experts are accelerating research to study the
origins of the virus and how it is spreading. The virus has been differentiated
from SARS and MERS, but its contagiousness and virulence is still being
studied.
5. Is there a
treatment and vaccine for the 2019-nCoV?
There is no specific treatment for any coronavirus
including the 2019-nCoV. However, many of the symptoms can be treated based on
the patient’s clinical conditions. Supportive care for infected persons can
also be highly effective.
To date, there remains to be no vaccines for the new
strain of coronavirus, hence, the existing Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines
(PCVs) are ineffective against 2019-nCoV.
6. What
should you do if you traveled recently to Wuhan, China and is experiencing
symptoms of the 2019-nCoV?
Patients, particularly travelers from affected areas,
who show symptoms of severe respiratory illness and other signs of the
2019-nCoV should seek medical attention immediately and have themselves
screened for common causes of respiratory illness.
7. What
should you do if you are experiencing mild flu-like symptoms, but have not
traveled to China recently or have not been in close contact with anyone who
traveled to China?
In this case, there is no need to be tested for
2019-nCoV. Please consult at your nearest health facility as deemed necessary.
8. What
should hospitals with suspected case/s of the 2019-nCoV do?
The designated infection control committee (ICC) of
the hospital shall be responsible for the preliminary investigation of
suspected cases. Once the case is classified as a person under investigation
(PUI), he/she should be quarantined. The ICC should then notify the DOH
Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (RESU), who shall then report to
the DOH Epidemiology Bureau.
Hospitals with PUIs in quarantine will also send the
collected specimens (oropharyngeal and nasal swabs) to Research Institute of
Tropical Medicine (RITM) for screening.
The DOH also encourages health workers to be vigilant
and take extra precautionary measures when in contact with patients with acute
respiratory infection, especially those with travel history to China.
Finally, all health facilities must enhance their
standard infection prevention and control practices, especially in their
emergency departments.
9. What can
the public do to prevent the spread of 2019-nCoV?
DOH advises the public to:
a. Practice
frequent and proper handwashing,
b. Practice
proper cough etiquette
i.
Always bring a handkerchief/tissue
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