The number of novel coronavirus cases is soaring upwards quickly.  Provoked by horror zombie movies and Hollywood disaster blockbusters, people in Vietnam spark local coronavirus. It has struck to the public demand for closure of borders with mainland China, and an epidemic-like situation in which the local fear is spreading even faster than the virus itself.

With information rising rapidly and changing quickly, you might be wondering how worried you should be, and what’s scary about. Here’s what we do (and don’t really know) about this virus and we hope it helps.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses (2019-nCoV) are a large family of viruses that cause colds and other upper respiratory infections. These viruses are zoonoses, which means they are transmitted between animals and people. A coronavirus can potentially spread from humans to humans. Up to now, there is no confirmed cure for this disease. Coronavirus is as severe as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) which had happened before.

How did the outbreak start?

The new study The Lancet provides more clues to the virus’ origins, and points to bats as the most likely cause. The coronavirus is known to first appear in a wet market in the center of Wuhan city, mainland China, and the market is famous for selling a wide range of dead and living animals without hygiene standards. Some people claim the Wuhan market is the direct cause for outbreak whereas some say bats are not sold at this market but may have infected live animals sold there. This question still remains challenging for us.

What are the symptoms of this virus?

The symptoms can include a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulties. In the meanwhile, there are also some early reports of non-respiratory symptoms. Many people recover within a few days. However, some people, especially children and old people, who tend to have a weak immune system are more likely to get infected. In more severe cases, the infection can cause even deaths.

Why so scary?

Unlike bacterial infections, which can be treated by antibiotics, coronaviruses have no specific treatments. Also, these respiratory viruses can spread more easily from person to person, and potentially lead to an outbreak. The deadly outbreak began in China, and new cases have been reported in 26 countries (updated 2 Feb 2020) including Vietnam with 7 confirmed cases in which 2 of them recovered.  Some countries including the USA, Australia, Russia, and Singapore even closed border to all Chinese arrivals.

People are frightened, recalling the fear of epidemics spanning back to the year of 2003 when SARS happened. However, during the SARS outbreak, China had 5,327 cases and 349 deaths, according to the World Health Organization, whereas China now has over 14,000 Coronavirus cases confirmed, over 300 deaths. The global outbreak of SARS had spread to over 8,000 people worldwide and killed almost 800.

Where to get up-to-date information?

The real-time tracking map from Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering is believed to provide accurate information. Follow the link here. Updated on 2 Feb 2020, there are 14,628 cases confirmed, 305 total deaths, and 348 recovered.

If no cure, then what are the preventions?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent this deadly infection. However, the best way to prevent getting infected is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends doing the following things.

• “Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. “

The Bottom line

We should not panic although we are dealing with a serious and deadly virus. More information available, and preventives well-equipped will help.