What is Coronavirus and what do we know about it?
Coronavirus or COVID-19 is considered to have become an epidemic worldwide. Coronavirus was first identified in the Wuhan state of China. And there has been a lot of information circulating on media regarding the symptoms and prevention measures of the virus. As we now know it now, the virus has transmitted between animals and humans. Some signs to look out for include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. And in more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
Few recommendations have been provided to prevent the spread of the virus. They include; regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Shortness of Breath
- Dry Cough
Prevention of Coronavirus
Current Scenario of Coronavirus in Nepal
A 32-year old Nepalese student studying at the Wuhan University of Technology, returned to Nepal from Wuhan on January 9th, 2020 while showing some minor symptoms. He had been ill from January 3rd, six days prior to coming to Nepal. On January 13th of the year 2020, he visited Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu with the complaint of respiratory problems and inflammation of the throat. The doctors at STIDH collected the blood sample and throat swab which they sent Hong Kong for analysis. On the 14th of January, his temperature rose to 38.9°C (102°F) and the next day he had difficulties in breathing. However, on January 16th, the fever was no longer present and his clinical condition improved.
The first case of the infection was detected on January 23rd as per the data released by the Ministry of Health and Population. Referring to the press release issued by the ministry, the test of throat swab was sent to be verified in the WHO collaborating center in Hong Kong which tested positive for the contraction of the virus. With the recommendation of WHO, the government of Nepal has taken steps to contain and prevent the spread of the virus. Starting with the establishment of Health Desk and infrared cameras to detect heat signatures at Tribhuvan International Airport, heat signature detectors at Rasuwagadhi -Nepal- China borders to carefully monitor people entering from China. Several awareness program and campaigns are held inside the country to notify the effects and prevention techniques to the public. Nepalese citizens evacuated from Wuhan are also kept under quarantine and so far no one has shown any symptoms related to the coronavirus. With the rapid spread of coronavirus, the government of Nepal has formulated several measures to contain and prevent the spread of virus. With close proximity to China, the risk factor still exists. However, a state of emergency has not been declared in Nepal as only minimal cases have been recorded and those with symptoms have also been treated.
