Coronavirus: Things to know about the deadly disease

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The Coronavirus death toll has crossed 130 and more than 6000 people have been affected. The virus has already spread to 18 countries. The fast-spreading epidemic is having far-reaching consequences. The Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, is in a state of lockdown. Here's all you need to know about the Novel Coronavirus.

What is Novel Coronavirus?

The Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV is an illness which is said to be transferable between humans and animals and causes illnesses ranging from cold to extreme breathing issues. The symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough and one may also develop breathing problems. The source of the virus is believed to have come from the seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The infection broke out between December 12 and 29, with some of the first victims employed at the market itself. The popular seafood market has now been shut down.

How can you contract the virus?

This infection is communicable. This means it can be directly or indirectly transmitted between humans. Strict precautions have been advised by health organizations. The virus not only transmits between humans but also adapts and mutates, which further worsens the situation, making the infection more catastrophic and difficult to treat. These viruses can also be transmitted when humans consume half cooked or insufficiently heated meat. It can also spread while preparing food in an unhygienic environment. Washing of hands, covering face while sneezing or coughing, and avoiding contact with people exposed to the virus, are some ways to protect oneself.

Symptoms

A person who develops the disease after contracting the virus experiences respiratory issues, difficulty in breathing, dry cough, cold, and fever. It also causes pneumonia, a kind of infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs. The virus attacks those with low immunity and the elderly. Sometimes, the infection leads to gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhea, in particular.

The condition of Wuhan

The city of Wuhan, an important industrial hub of China is in a state of lockdown. Almost 48 million people are trapped in their homes and the city looks wears a haunted look. Videos circulating on social media show citizens chanting and singing in their homes to keep each other's spirits up. Many of them are watching the construction of hospitals which is being live streamed. All forms of wildlife trade has been banned as the virus originated in the meat market in the city. The mayor of Wuhan is ready to resign as he takes responsibility for the initial lag in curbing the virus. Almost 5 million people left the city even before travel bans were imposed.

Actions being taken

Scientists across the world are working hard to fight this menace. More than half a million medical staff have joined the epidemic prevention and treatment of patients in Hubei. Around 48 million people in Wuhan are in a lockdown. Airlines have discontinued flights to China and people are being evacuated from the country. Five medical teams with 686 doctors and nurses have been dispatched by Shanghai, Guangdong, Hunan, Sichuan, and Zhejiang to join Hubei in an effort to treat the infection. Two hospitals are being constructed at a rapid pace in Wuhan and will be ready within a week.

Economic impact

Investors across the globe fear this could be worse than SARS. Trade with China seems a difficult proposition. China and the US had just signed the first phase of the trade deal. Investors, soon after the Corona outbreak, rushed to other safer havens and dumped the idea of investing in equities. WHO (World Health Organisation) has called this outbreak an emergency for China. Despite assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping there is a sense of panic in the world. Various automobile behemoths including Honda Motor Co. Ltd and Nissan Motor Co. have evacuated workers from the affected areas. Meanwhile, movie theatres, retailers, shops, restaurant chains have suspended operations. In Shanghai holidays have been extended and businesses have been told to remain shut for an additional week. Travel restrictions are also in place in around 20 cities. Long-distance bus and high-speed rail services have also come to a halt.