The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. On the 30th January, 2020 the World Health Organization has declared that the 2019 Novel Coronavirus as a global health emergency.
Can people in Barbados get 2019 -nCoV?
At this time this virus has not been detected in Barbados. Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in Wuhan or people who have travelled to Wuhan and other parts of China. Since the first case identified in China, other cases have been confirmed in other parts of the Western Pacific, South East Asia, the USA, Canada and Europe. Because of travel between countries, it is possible for the virus to reach Barbados. Our Health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation.
How does 2019-nCoV spread?
With similar coronaviruses (MERS and SARS) person-to-person spread is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other viruses that cause respiratory illness spread. There also may be some spread when a person touches a surface or object that has virus on it and then touches his or her own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV?
Patients with 2019-nCoV have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
What are severe complications from this virus?
Some patients may develop pneumonia in both lungs.
How can I help protect myself?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. This can be done by:
·avoiding close contact with people who are sick
·avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
·washing your hands often and with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
·In addition, using a nutritious diet, managing
stress and getting adequate exercise are recommended measures for maintaining
or boosting natural resistance to infections.
What if I have a respiratory Illness?
Avoid spreading respiratory illness to others by:
·staying at home as much as is possible
·covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash can
·cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
What should I do if I recently travelled to China and got sick?
If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should get medical care immediately. Call the office of your health care provider before you go and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against 2019 nCoV.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for 2019-nCoV. People
with 2019-nCov can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms. For
mild cases the normal measures that could be used for any influenza will be
employed. These may include increased fluids, rest, and medication for pain and
fever and other symptoms e.g. panadol. For moderate to severe cases medical
attention must be sought. In severe cases hospitalization will be necessary.
Do Healthy People Need Masks?
No! The current recommendation from the World Health
Organisation (W.H.O) is that masks should not be used as prevention measure for
healthy persons. The general use of masks may provide a false sense of security
and it is likely that they will be used incorrectly. The prevention measures
outlined above are more effective in preventing spread in the general
population. Mask may be used by ill persons if they have to be out in public.
What is being done at the air
and sea ports to protect Barbadians?
Barbados is signatory to International Health Regulations
which mandate that airline staff and shipping agents report any illness of
passengers before the vessel is cleared for disembarking. Health authorities
will take all necessary steps to protect the health of all who reside in
Barbados. Increased surveillance of travelers has also been implemented. Port
health nurses and environmental health officers will screen arriving passengers
and give directions to persons traveling from affected areas.
Why is a suspect case, a probable case and a confirmed case?
Seasonal epidemics occur every year and we are able to treat the virus with
seasonal vaccines. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic. It is a new virus and
one to which the populations will have no immunity.
What is a suspect case, a probable case and a confirmed case?
SUSPECTED
CASE DEFINITION (1):
A
case who, in the 14 days before the onset of illness:
Travelled
to regions known to have cases of 2019-nCoV
OR
Had
contact with confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV
AND
Has at least one of the following:
·Fever or history of fever
·Shortness of breath
·Sore throat
·Cough
SUSPECTED
CASE DEFINITION (2):
An
atypical case presentation of:
Acute
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
OR
Severe
acute respiratory infection (SARI)
Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of atypical
presentations in patients who are immunocompromised.
PROBABLE
CASE DEFINITION:
A
suspected case for whom test 2019-nCoV is inconclusive or for whom testing was
positive on a pan-coronavirus assay.
CONFIRMED
CASE DEFINITION:
A person who has tested positive for 2019-nCoV infection, irrespective of
clinical signs and symptoms.
