Joseph R. Anticaglia MD
Medical Advisory Board
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities announced the discovery of a new coronavirus that has subsequently infected thousands of people worldwide, but primarily in China. The strain of this novel (new) coronavirus, also referred to as (2019-nCov), has never been previously found in humans.
It’s thought that this coronavirus was initially transmitted to shoppers at a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan, China. Many residents of the city complained of mild flu like symptoms. Weeks later, people with no connection to the Wuhan market contracted the disease. This suggests that the virus went from animal-to human and thereafter, it spread from human-to-human. A short time later, there was confirmation of the human-to-human connection of 2019-nCov.
Coronaviruses, according to the World Health Organization, have a history of spreading from animals-to-humans. For instance, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was thought to have been transmitted from civet cat to humans and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) from a certain type of camel to humans.
From December 2019, when the first reports of 2019-nCov were announced to February 2nd, 2020, the number of infections has risen to over 17,300 cases with at least 361 deaths in China. Also, the disease has spread to 20 other countries. The majority of cases have been in the elderly and in persons with underlying health conditions.
The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo. Under an electron microscope, the image of the virus is reminiscent of a solar corona.
Coronaviruses are a group of infectious agents with similarities to other viruses. They need living cells to multiply and replicate. The viruses consist of a nucleic acid core (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. They’re extremely small in diameter and they cannot be visualized by using a light microscope. An electron microscope, as the one use in the above figures, is utilized to detect their histologic features.
The 2019-nCov virus belongs to a family of respiratory viruses such as the common cold, SARS and MERS. The virus spreads to people when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. This action disperses droplets of the disease contained in the mucus or saliva into the air.
People become infected either when they’re in direct contact with droplets of infected individuals or by touching the surface where droplets land and then your nose or face. It’s unknown how long this virus can survive on the surface nor is it known precisely what the incubation period is (1-14 days?).
Since it’s a new viral strain, there is no natural immunity and presently no vaccine is available. The complete clinical picture is a work in progress at this time.
It appears that 2019nCov is more likely to be a mild, flu-like sickness rather than a severe illness, particularly when compared to SARS. The clinical findings among hospitalized Chinese patient include:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
If you were to purchase face masks, consider buying N95 masks. They are the ones used by health care workers to protect themselves against viruses, bacteria and other harmful agents. If you’re travelling, think about using disposable gloves to reduce the likelihood of coming in contact with the coronavirus. Also, stay healthy — eat nutritiously and exercise regularly.
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for people who have been exposed to the novel coronavirus. Rest, adequate fluid intake and medication to relieve aches and pain are general measures advised for this condition. Antibiotics don’t work against this or other viruses. If you suspect you’ve been infected with the coronavirus, contact your health care provider. As noted, there is no vaccine available at this time to protect oneself against this 2019-nCov. And such a vaccine will not be available until the early part of 2021 or later.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately. Speak with your doctor, if he’s available, to get his advice. But don’t delay in seeking medical care, including going to the Emergency Department of your hospital.
Should you panic concerning the coronavirus that originated from Wuhan, China? The World Health Organization issued a global emergency warning on January 30, 2020 because of its concern that 2019-nCov would spread to other countries, particularly those with “with weaker health systems, and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.”
But what danger does 2019-nCov presently pose to western industrialized countries and other nations with strong healthcare systems?
There has been, as of February 10, 2020, 13 confirmed cases of 2019-nCov in the U. S. with no deaths reported. Unquestionably, the clinical picture is incomplete, statistics about this virus is changing at a rapid rate and it warrants our deep concern.
To put the coronavirus outbreak in perspective, it might be useful to compare the present outbreak to the 2018-2019 influenza season in the United States.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that there were approximately 34,200 deaths due to influenza in the United States. About 35.5 million Americans got sick with the flu causing more than 16.5 million medical visits and 490,600 hospitalizations.
During the current flu season in the U. S. (2019-2020), the CDC has reported, thus far, millions of flu illnesses and thousands of deaths.
In spite of the response of the Chinese scientists and authorities, as well as the international medical community, the 2019-nCov is soaring among Chinese citizens and streaking across national borders.
As of February 10, 2020, the total number of 2019-nCov confirmed cases infected more than 42,000 people and the total deaths of at least 1,000 individuals. The vast majority of cases are within China.
The takeaway: viruses can be ‘lethal’ and we need to recognize, understand and take preventive measures to keep droplets “far away from us.”
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.
