Coronavirus: Travel Advisory to People Visiting China Issued

In the wake of the outbreak of the contagious novel coronavirus a travel advisory to those visiting China from India or coming back has been issued.

It also gave various helpline numbers in case of sickness or help required.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) - Causes Symptoms Treatment Prevention
MERS, a newly discovered respiratory disease, was recently reported in the Arabian region. MERS is caused by a virus similar to that causing common cold and other respiratory illnesses.

‘The ministry urged the travellers to cut their further travelling plans in case they felt sick and had fever, cough and cold.’

The advisory, posted on the Twitter handle of the Health Ministry, said travellers to China are advised to avoid all "no-essential travel to China" and to "avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of illness such as cough, running nose etc".

"The travellers to China should follow simple public health measures all the time." The advisory suggested observing good personal hygiene, practice frequent hand washing with soap. Follow respiratory etiquette - cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

The ministry also urged all travellers to China to monitor their health closely and said "during your stay in China, if you feel sick and have a fever and cough seek medical attention immediately. Report to Indian Embassy in China (+8618612083629 and +8618612083617)"

Coronavirus Infection: First Case Confirmed in Nepal
A Nepali student was tested positive for coronavirus infection, revealed sources.

The advisory said that if a traveller was feeling sick on the flight while coming back to India they must "inform the airlines crew about the illness".

It also stated "immediately report facts to the airport health office or immigration office on helpline number (01123978046)." It also asked the traveller to inform the airline crew about illness.

Wuhan Coronavirus: Fresh Insights
A coronavirus is actually the name for a family of viruses, including some that can cause the common cold. This virus is a novel coronavirus, which means it’s a new virus that has not been seen before and it’s also new to humans.

"If you feel sick within the span of one month after return from China immediately call the helpline (011-23978046) and follow the direction issued," the notification read.

The advisory stated that one should maintain effective isolation at home and with others in case of symptoms. It asked the people to report the illness to the nearest health facility and also inform the treating doctor regarding their travel history.

Snakes Could be the Culprit Behind Deadly Coronavirus Outbreak in China
Coronavirus Outbreak: Snakes could be the original source of deadly coronavirus outbreak in China, reveals a new study.

According to the notification, a total of 1,287 cases and 41 deaths have been reported so far in 29 provinces of China including districts and cities. In addition to it, 28 cases had been confirmed outside China mainland that constituted 5 cases in Hong Kong, 2 cases in Macao, Vietnam and France, 3 cases in Taiwan, 4 cases in Thailand out of which, two were cured. One out of two cases in Japan had also been cured, the ministry said.

There had been two cases in South Korea as well as in the US, 3 cases in Singapore and one in Nepal.

"The mode of transmission is yet unclear but the evidence points to human to human transmission occurring between close contacts through respiratory route," said the ministry, adding "the clinical signs and symptoms are mainly fever with a few patients having difficulty in breathing".

Source-IANS