Familiarise yourself with facts about the Coronavirus
Drickus Maartens • March 17, 2020
THE CORONAVIRUS FACT SHEET
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is one of many different coronaviruses identified in animals, however only a small number of these can cause disease in humans. Some coronaviruses are common causes of illness, including respiratory illness, in humans throughout the world. Sometimes coronaviruses which have infected animals can evolve to cause disease in humans and become a new (novel) coronavirus for humans, for example MERS-CoV, first reported in 2012, and SARS-CoV, first reported in 2002.
On 9 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a new coronavirus was identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China. The majority of patients initially identified were associated with a seafood wholesale market. This suggests that the new coronavirus, COVID-19, possibly originated from animals but had evolved to cause disease in humans. However, the specific source of the virus is not yet known.
How is COVID-19 spread?
The virus is spread via respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu and other respiratory diseases are spread. Persons with underlying illness and elderly people appear to be at greater risk of severe illness and complications from the infection.
What is the incubation period of COVID-19?
Current estimates of the virus’ incubation period range from two to 10 days.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms reported include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, coughing and difficulty in breathing. Some infected people have little to no symptoms while some others have become severely ill with respiratory difficulties leading to pneumonia, sepsis and even organ failure. It is estimated that about 3% of those people with the virus have passed away.
Who is at risk of being infected?
- Persons who have travelled within the past 21 days to areas with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases. Persons showing symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19.
- Persons who have been in face-to-face contact, for example in the home or work environment, with individuals who have travelled to areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases within the past 21 days and who may be infected but are not showing symptoms yet.
Which parts of the world have confirmed cases?
On 5 March, there have been confirmed cases in over 60 countries in the Western Pacific region; South East Asia; South and North America Europe; the Eastern Mediterranean region, Africa and on 5 March, the first confirmed COVID-19 case was reported in South Africa.
How is COVID-19 treated?
As is the case with other viral infections, antibiotics are not an effective means of treatment, and there is no specific antiviral treatment available. Treatment is via supportive care, meaning that it is based on each person’s specific symptoms and conditions, for example treatment for fever, and to treat any illnesses that may develop as a result of the infection. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial secondary infection develops.
In line with internationally accepted COVID-19 treatment protocols, persons under investigation for COVID-19 will be asked to self-quarantine, unless their condition is such that they need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. Netcare will make information on self-quarantine available to these patients. Some patients with confirmed COVID-19 may also be asked to self-quarantine, should their condition not require in-hospital treatment.
How can you reduce your risk of exposure to, and transmission of, COVID-19?
- Postpone non-essential travel to other countries, especially those with confirmed COVID-19 cases. If you have to travel to international destinations, be vigilant and protect yourself by taking all precautions recommended by your healthcare provider or travel health clinic.
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, towel drying them properly, or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid close contact with persons with coughs, chest infections and/or fevers. Clean your hands after direct contact with ill people or their environment.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes with your hands.
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with farm or wild animals, or visiting places where live animals are sold.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to prevent potential cross-contamination with uncooked foods.
- Although facemasks do not provide complete protection from the infection from an airborne disease such as this, they may provide some additional defence against infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Where can you get up-to-date, credible information on COVID-19?
- Phone the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) toll free public hotline on 0800 029 999, Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 or visit their website, www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/covid-19/ for the latest information.
- Visit the World Health Organization website, www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports for the latest information.
Sources: National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and World Health Organization (WHO)
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