Coronaviruses - they are not new

Coronaviruses, which include the nCoV-2019 strain isolated from patients, have been known to scientists and researchers for years. Coronaviruses are classified as viruses whose genetic material is ribonucleic acid (RNA). In humans, the genetic material is encoded in DNA. Infections with coronaviruses were described in the 1960s, when it was established that coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43 were the cause of numerous cases of influenza-like illnesses. The coronaviruses are divided into 3 subgroups - B814, 229E and OC43.

SARS and RBCsRS

In 2002, the world heard about SARS (and. severe acute respiratory syndrome). SARS was responsible for causing severe acute respiratory syndrome. The first cases were reported in Foshan (Guangdong province, China). The virus gradually spread to other areas of China through the movement of people around the world. It turned out that the organism from which the virus started to spread was bats, which attacked civets, ferrets and cats, infecting them with the SARS virus. A mutation in the proteins of the virus meant that these were able to combine freely with proteins in the human body and thus transmit to humans. By the end of July 2003, more than 8,000 cases had been reported, of which 812 people had died. Coronaviruses, which were known until 2002, were responsible for mild respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. SARS changed the outlook of scientists by making them realise that we were dealing with the transduction of foreign genes. The incubation time of the virus ranged from 2 to 10 days, with a maximum of 20. Infection occurred via the droplet route and through contact with the secretions of a sick person. In 2012, the world began to struggle with another coronavirus, this time known as RBCsRS. The first outbreak was reported in Jeddah. The so-called reservoir of the virus turned out to be camels and bats. The virus was transmitted from infected animals to humans, while between humans it was transmitted by the droplet route. The symptoms of the disease are extremely wide ranging, from mild cold-like symptoms to sudden pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, rhinitis, pneumonia, in some cases leading to respiratory problems and kidney failure. No causal treatment had been developed, only symptomatic treatment. Mycophenolic acid was thought to be a potential treatment. Prevention against the virus is based on frequent hand washing, use of disinfectants and use of masks.

photo: panthermedia

nCoV-2019 - what do we know about it?

January this year - the first cases of disease caused by a new type of virus have been reported in Wuhan, China. At the moment, it has not been indicated exactly what animal is the reservoir of the virus, it is presumed to be snakes. The virus is spreading relatively quickly - cases have been reported in France, the USA and Germany. It is only a matter of time before the virus reaches Poland. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced the start of work on three vaccines to prevent nCoV-2019, with the centre's director announcing that the vaccine will be ready within 16 weeks at the latest.

#STRONA#

Chief Sanitary Inspectorate advises on how to reduce the possibility of infection

Based on guidance from the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, all travellers and those who may have potential contact with people who have come from areas where infections have been reported should:

wash their hands frequently using soapy water or alcohol-based products (the virus is a enveloped virus, which means it is susceptible to solvents),
avoid contact with sick people,
avoid contact with the secretions of sick people.

Advice for travellers

Travellers:

all air travellers are given a Passenger Location Card - which asks them to provide their contact and whereabouts,
an initial check will take place on the aircraft to see if the traveller has symptoms of illness, e.g. an elevated body temperature. If the traveller has symptoms
and is travelling from an area at high risk of coronavirus 2019-nCoV infection, contact will be made with the airport health service.

The incubation period of the virus is up to 14 days - it is recommended that people returning from high-risk countries keep a close eye on their body.

If worrying symptoms occur, such as:

high fever,
cough,
shortness of breath.

Report to a doctor immediately and provide information on travel/contact with people who have returned from areas where the disease has been reported.

As of 24 January this year. 897 cases have been reported, of which 26 infected people have died. Perhaps transmission of the virus would be limited by sub-zero temperatures, which are currently lacking in Europe. Unfortunately, the warm weather is conducive to disease and the transmission of viruses of all kinds. Do not panic - if you notice any worrying symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for further assistance

way4cure.com

Coronavirus nCoV-2019 - are we in danger of an epidemic?

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