Velisha Thompson of the City of Johannesburg writes:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in Wuhan City, Hubei province in China was first identified on 31 December last year.
The virus is unlike any other known virus and is of concern as the modes of infection and spread are unknown. Since the outbreak, the disease has spread to other countries and has continued to spread.
The WHO declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. The incubation period for Covid-19 is roughly between 10 and 14 days and the virus can be transmitted during that time before symptoms appear.
The symptoms include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, an infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
If you have a fever, cough or runny nose, please seek medical attention. A health facility should be contacted before your visit and informed of your travel history.
Currently, there is no vaccine and there is no specific treatment for coronavirus.
The following are precautions you can take to prevent from getting sick:
- Avoid contact with live animals, poultry and birds
- Avoid consumption of raw and undercooked meat
- Avoid crowded places and people who are not well
- Practise good personal hygiene and wash hands regularly with soap and clean water
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing
- Visit your doctor if you are not well and stay at home
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