Coronavirus: An Insider’s perspective
A Kashmiri medical student from China writes about the virus spread and how China dealt with it
Shahebaz Khan
In the recent events starting from the 31st of December 2019 up till today, a lot has changed. The outbreak of a new type of corona virus (CV), named as COVID-19 in Wuhan, Hubei Province China has put the public on edge. The fast transmitting and contagious virus has been the center of attention since the beginning of 2020 and has been linked to a possible transfer via bats and an unknown secondary host involved.
The outbreak was reported on 31st of December 2019 and the actions started for its control in January and by 24th January. But unfortunately, by that time approximately, half a million travelers from across had already come in and out of the borders.
Although not confirmed, the virus is said to have a zoonoic origin with 96% similarity to CV of bats. Globally, there has been a lot of misinformation circulating regarding the virus including heightened prejudice, xenophobia and racism towards Chinese and East Asian descent. Instead of falling prey to incorrect information that are emerging regarding the virus, it is advisable for one to one to first know the necessary details by themselves and then form their conclusive opinion.
Firstly, transmission
According to the leading health organization, WHO, the primary mode of transmission is via respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing) that people exhale. These only stay in the air suspended for a short amount of time but for longer on metal and plastic surfaces. It is currently under assessment whether there is any asymptomatic or fecal transmission.
No other known cause of transmission is found or suspected. This is generally categorized as aerosol mode of transmission and is one of the dangerous modes of transmission. It can be prevented with sanitizing by the usage of 75% alcohol disinfectants with precautions towards fire safety. Other ways of prevention of the disease include practicing respiratory hygiene, self-isolation, usage of masks in public, staying away from crowds, avoiding contact to eyes, nose and mouth, and the list goes on.
Second is symptoms
Though there are severe cases of acute respiratory disorders, the basic symptoms include fever, running nose, cough, and other generalized flu symptoms and can easily be treated via self-care and isolation. Self-isolation should highly be promoted as it reduces the infection of another innocent life.
Third comes lethality
As of March 5, 2020, there are about 95,333 confirmed cases globally tied to 3105 deaths. Detailed analysis by WHO and Chinese Institutions have shown that out of the 3015 deceased, 90% were aged individuals (around and above 75 years) of which 80% were already suffering checking. With given time and combined efforts, we can come out of the situation successfully and effectively. from previous ailments and cardiovascular diseases. This obviously shows high mortality rate of aged individuals alone and very high recovery of other age groups.
The Chinese government had instantly built separate hospitals for the treatment of patients diagnosed with corona, and medical institutes across the country rushed in to help with finances, equipment and everything they could offer.
The foreigners present here had even greater perks. Their health insurance claims had been converted to “unlimited” if they were diagnosed with the virus and since the entire province was under shutdown, efforts were made for the provision of masks, thermometers, Wi-Fi, electricity, groceries, cooked food and toiletries twice a day via order, etc.
In addition to safe environment and emergency quarantine services there was even the daily report of temperature, health and living conditions to the government for early tracking and effective prevention of the disease and no harm was caused. Similar actions are being taken across many countries across the globe.
Tackling the misinformation can be effectively done by following official sources like WHO and keeping track of the daily updates in the local area. The cause of panic across the globe is because the strain of the virus is new and hence time is needed to research and make an effective vaccine.
Another fact that has come to light is that out of the 807174 confirmed cases in China (March 7, 2020) there was a death toll of 3045 and the number of recovered population was a whopping 783411. This was statistically unacceptable to some and they hypothesized mass killing of the infected population which was again proved incorrect. The Chinese government had in no way committed such atrocities and has the support on all leading reputable health organizations.
The virus is not highly lethal. It does not show any symptoms like madness, instant deaths, etc. If suspected, one must immediately contact his health practitioner immediately. It has no other source of transmission from birds, packed items etc. is confirmed or under investigations.
As the virus is similar to common cold, avoiding anything like cold drinks, ice creams etc. is well advised but is no way linked to transmission of this disease. It is not a bioweapon. Population in China-whether local or foreign is not undergoing any troubles regarding scarcity of food, lack of resources, etc. due to the virus and is supported very well by checking. With given time and combined efforts, we can come out of the situation successfully and effectively.
From previous ailments and cardiovascular diseases. This obviously shows high mortality rate of aged individuals alone and very high recovery of other age groups.
The Chinese government had instantly built separate hospitals for the treatment of patients diagnosed with corona, and medical institutes across the country rushed in to help with finances, equipment and everything they could offer.
The foreigners present here had even greater perks. Their health insurance claims had been converted to “unlimited” if they were diagnosed with the virus and since the entire province was under shutdown, efforts were made for the provision of masks, thermometers, Wi-Fi, electricity, groceries, cooked food and toiletries twice a day via order, etc. In addition to safe environment and emergency quarantine services there was even the daily report of temperature, health and living conditions to the government for early tracking and effective prevention of the disease and no harm was caused. Similar actions are being taken across many countries across the globe.
(The writer is a Medical Student HBMU, Hubei Province)
KV Network
