Corona virus outbreak

Coronavirus is a group of virus that causes disease in birds and mammals. This virus can cause respiratory infections in humans ranges from mild symptoms like common cold to more sever illness like SARS and MERS. This new strain coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans

An outbreak of new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in more than 1000 confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City. Additional cases are being identified in other countries as well

Transmission: Coronavirus is zoonotic, it is transmitted between humans and animals, there are several theories of possible source of transmission of this new coronavirus to humans but it is still being investigated

Symptoms: Symptoms of infection includes flu like illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath, sever cases may lead to kidney failure, even death

Prevention: To prevent the infection follow good hygiene practices, wash hands at regular intervals, stay away from people suffering from cold or cold like symptoms and staying home if you suffer from cold or respiratory tract infections

Infection control precautions: Observe droplet and contact precautions, hand hygiene after handling patients, provide surgical mask to all people under investigation

Cases have been reported from China, Macau, HongKong, Taiwan, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Korea United states and Vietnam. Till date no confirmed case is reported in Pakistan

Information source: World Health Organization -WHO