What is Wuhan Corona Virus? Explained

1. What is Corona Virus?

It started in a seafood market in china and it's spreading across the world.Here is what we know about the new coronavirus that's freaking out medical medical experts and governments.The Wuhan coronavirus is a mysterious strain and we know very little about it except that it's deadly and it can be transmitted from human to human.Scientists are calling it novel coronavirus or nCOV-2019.Coronaviruses are fairly common in species of animals.But this specific virus was traced back to a seafood market in the city of Wuhan where a number of wildlife animals are sold illegally.one theory is that it started in bats,then spread to snakes possibly sold at the market and moved on to humans.Chinese authorities have since imposed a nationwide ban on wildlife trade in markets,supermarkets,restaurants and e-commerce platforms.But it was a little too late as it had already been transmitted to humans.

2. How does it spread?

The novel coronavirus can spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing  or sneezing close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands touching an object or surface exposed to the virus then touching your mouth or nose before washing your hands.But the biggest threat is the mobility of the people who have been infected.initially, the majority of those infected were from Wuhan or have recently travelled to Wuhan.But in less than a week cases have already been reported in at least 18 countries,including South Korea,Japan,Singapore,France,Germany,Canada and the US.Authorities in China and other countries are implementing measures to prevent its spread.China has locked down Wuhan and several neighbouring cities which is about  56 million people.The complete lockdown of megacities has never been done before as a public health measure so World Health Organization officials say they don't know if it will work or not.But even if it does work 5 million people left wuhan before the lockdown.That's why many countries are screening tavellers from China and have prepared quarantine measures at the airports.

3. What are the symptoms?

So, how do you know if you have been infected by the coronavirus? The virus causes coughing,breathing problems and a fever.It can easily be misinterpreted as the flu.In severe cases,you can even have pneumonia severe acute respiratory syndrome,and kidney failure and it can even lead to death.If you are infectected it takes up to 14 days for the symptoms to show.But the virus can spread during the incubation period.That means you can spread the virus even before you know you're sick,This is why medical experts around the world are worried.

4. Who is in danger?

So far, most of those who died from the virus had pre-existing medical conditions.The WHO's China committee said the virus is mostly affecting older people.But the virus' ability to transmit is getting stronger.The virus blends with its host's DNA and can mutate rapidly.Authorities say the current outbreak is spreading faster and is more complicated than SARS which also originated from china and killed almost 800 people in 37 countries between 2002 and 2003.

5. How can you stay protected?

There is no vaccine or antiviral treatment so medical experts are advising basic hygiene measures for now.Things such as washing your hands regularly covering your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing avoiding people who appear to have a cold or flu and most importantly,avoiding unprotected cantact with farm or wild animals,especially bats also wear surgical masks.