Coronavirus: Things to know about the deadly disease

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.