What are the symptoms caused by the

Wuhan coronavirus?

The virus causes pneumonia. Those who

have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs,
fever and breathing difficulties. In severe
cases there can be organ failure. As this is
viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use.
The antiviral drugs we have against flu will
not work. If people are admitted to
hospital, they may get support for their
lungs and other organs as well as fluids.
Recovery will depend on the strength of
their immune system. Many of those who
have died are known to have been already
in poor health.
What other coronaviruses have there been?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and

Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (Mers) are
both caused by coronaviruses that came from
animals. Although Mers is believed to be
transmitted to humans from dromedaries, the
original hosts for both coronaviruses were probably
bats. In 2002, Sars spread virtually unchecked to 37
countries, causing global panic, infecting more than
8,000 people and killing more than 750. Mers
appears to be less easily passed from human to
human, but has greater lethality, killing 35% of
about 2,500 people who have been infected.
WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public
to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range
of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and
respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:

 Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand

rub or soap and water;
 When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose
with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away
immediately and wash hands;
 Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and
cough;
 If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek
medical care early and share previous travel history
with your health care provider;
 When visiting live markets in areas currently
experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct
unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in
contact with animals;
 The consumption of raw or undercooked animal
products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or
animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid
cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per
good food safety practices.