The Coronavirus: What you need to know

The number of people infected with a new virus in China is increasing.

The outbreak of this coronavirus has spread from Wuhan to other major cities and abroad, according to reports.

But what exactly is this new virus and how easy is it to contract?

Here’s what you need to know.

Is it possible to vaccinate in order to prevent this respiratory illness?

At the moment, there is no vaccine that can protect people against this type of coronavirus, but researchers are looking to develop one.

It is a new strain that hasn’t been seen in humans before, which means doctors still have lots to learn about it.

I am travelling to China and would like to know what, if necessary, precautions to take whilst there?

Based on currently available information, the World Health Organization has not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade.

You should re-check the latest travel advice before you depart.

Is it possible for the virus to have affected any person, who travelled to China in the last few months for example, October to December 2019?

The first human cases were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019.

There have not been any other suspected human cases reported prior to this.

Given the type of virus, the incubation period (how long it takes for symptoms to appear after catching the infection) is days, rather than weeks.

It is not yet known how or when the virus became infectious to people.

Experts believe the first cases were transmitted by an animal.

Are Caribbean airports planning to screen arrivals?

Currently, Caribbean airports are not screening passengers on arrival. Caribbean Governments are keeping the situation under review.

Extra checks such as temperature scans have been put in place to screen some travellers elsewhere.

Airports in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo have been screening air passengers from Wuhan and US authorities last week announced similar measures at three major airports in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

A lot of initially infected people have already been discharged from hospitals. Does it mean that the virus is not that dangerous?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe disease. It’s not yet clear how bad this new coronavirus is.

If a patient has recovered from the infection, they should not pose a significant risk to others and can be sent home from hospital provided they are well enough.

What animal does the Corona virus come from? How can one protect himself against?

It is not yet known how the virus was transmitted. Other coronaviruses, such as Sars and Mers, came from civet cats and camels respectively.

Experts are working to find the source.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection apply. These include:

  • Regular hand washing.
  • Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
  • Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.