Between Myths and Misinformation
It all started in December 2019, when a mysterious virus came from nowhere decided to make the headlines in China, more precisely Wuhan. At first it was a simple virus spreading among the Chinese population but what they did not know was that soon the country would be in an absolutely chaotic situation.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Coronaviruses consist of a large family of viruses that may cause illness in animals or humans as they are zoonotic. In humans, they are known to cause respiratory infections from common colds to more severe diseases such as MERS known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. However the recently discovered and deadly one is the coronavirus which causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
Respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, and shortness of breath with breathing difficulties are the first common symptoms of a possible infection.
To be noted that those infections can cause severe complications often even leading to death.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the new coronavirus that emerged in China in December 2019 can be diagnosed with a laboratory test and may be spread from one person to another.
No cure is available yet, that is there is no coronavirus vaccine. For prevention, it is better to frequently wash your hands, to cough into the bend of your elbow and stay home whenever you are sick.
How is COVID-19 spread?
Generally it is said that COVID-19 can be spread from person to person. When being in a community, it can be spread rapidly, especially people who are not sure how or where they became infected. COVID-19 has been spread in almost 100 other countries, including the United States since its propagation from China.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization and health organizations are monitoring the spread of this new coronavirus. On Jan. 30, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a worldwide health emergency.
How is COVID-19 diagnosed?
Diagnosis may be difficult with only a physical as in most cases of COVID-19 the symptoms may be similar to the flu or a bad cold.
Does COVID-19 cause death?
As of today, 16 March 2020, 170,002 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed across the globe and more than 6,523 people have died especially elders have not survived from it. But on the other hand, 77,778 people have recovered from the illness.
What is a Coronavirus?
A coronavirus is generally found in animals. However when can transmitted from animals to humans the infected person can transmit the disease to another person.
It can be spread in the following ways; when someone with the virus sneezes or coughs on you and let respiratory droplets lend on your skin or clothing, when you come in touch with someone who has the virus on their skin or clothing.
When touching your face, which gives the virus a direct entry point via your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Moreover to COVID-19, other human coronaviruses have included:
The Middle East respiratory syndrome or The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus, which occurred for the very first time in the Guangdong province in southern China.
They are named as such because of their appearance: as when they are looked at under the microscope, they are covered with pointed structures that surround them like a corona, or crown.
How to prevent Coronavirus?
– Stay away from people who look ill or gatherings in groups.
– For your own safety and others if you feel sick stay home
– Cover your mouth with a tissue or into your upper sleeve or elbow when coughing
– Do coughs and sneezes in disposable tissues
– It is suggested to clean your hands with for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water; particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, coughing, or sneezing.
– Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
– Hands should be clean with soap and water dirty
-Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Coronavirus treatment
Till now, though tests of an antidote are being made, there is currently no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.
It is said that the symptoms of covid-19 usually go away on their own somehow if symptoms feel worse than a common cold, do contact your doctor. He or she will make you run test so as to see what it is up to.
What to do if you think you have Coronavirus?
As with a cold or the flu, take your medicines and get plenty of rest. If you have shortness of breath, do your best to have access to an immediate medical care.
As much as possible avoid contact with others when you are sick. You should imperatively wear a face mask to prevent spreading the virus to others as it can be easily transmitted to others through air and droplets.
Despite Wuhan and other Chinese cities being quarantined, the COVID-19 has spread to almost 70 locations around the world.
In the U.S., COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in New York, California, Oregon and Washington State with deaths have been reported in both Washington State and California. Over 3802 people have been infected causing 69 deaths
As the the number of U.S. cases of coronavirus grows, Americans are rushing to grocery stores and wholesale clubs as the impact on this virus is creating a real psychosis globally. More particularly when people are being stuffed in masses fearing a significant spikes in sales of emergency supplies in China, the U.S. and Italy as creating what Nielsen labels “pandemic pantries.”
COVID-19 Now a Pandemic
Countries of the European nation like Italy have been in complete locked down since many days now, Europe has become the epicenter of this widely spread disease. With more than 127 deaths and 5423 registered cases, the French government has decided to close schools, universities plus restaurants, and let only essential places like supermarkets remain opened to reinforce the safety of the people.
If in Mauritius no cases of Covid-19 have been registered yet, the Government have decided to restrain access to passengers coming from Reunion Island and other European countries like France or Switzerland. As in Reunion Island, 7 cases have been confirmed.
How many people have died from Coronavirus ?
Although China remains the country more impacted as the virus came from there, in the table below it can be seen that other countries have not been spare from this pandemic:
|
Country |
Total Cases |
Totals deaths |
Recovered |
|
China |
80,866 |
3213 |
67,760 |
|
Italy |
24,747 |
1809 |
2335 |
|
Iran |
13,938 |
724 |
4590 |
|
S.Korea |
8,236 |
75 |
1137 |
|
Spain |
7,988 |
294 |
517 |
|
Germany |
5,813 |
13 |
46 |
|
France |
5,423 |
127 |
12 |
|
USA |
3,802 |
69 |
73 |
|
Switzerland |
2,217 |
14 |
4 |
|
UK |
1,391 |
35 |
20 |
|
Norway |
1,256 |
3 |
1 |
To be noted that the official table can be followed in real time at the following link : https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
How to prepare for Coronavirus?
It is recommended to avoid booking flights, to eat well so as to boost your immune system. Do some groceries but it is not necessary to do excess shopping like many people are doing right now, leaving stall empty.
Coronavirus – Covid-19 in Mauritius
If until March 17, Mauritius was still safe from the virus, on March 18, the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, during a press conference announced publicly that they have detected 3 cases of Coronavirus on the island. Indeed the patient zero, Appa Santaram, lied on his travel itinerary and traveled here and there since he came back from UK before ending up at the hospital of Candos. He was spreading the virus around him without knowing that he was the first carrier since his arrival on the island on March 7. 13 members of his family have been infected, unfortunately, the patient zero died yesterday 22 March 2020.
Today March 23, 2020, in Mauritius, 28 positive cases have been officially registered pushing the Mauritian government to make a national containment for 15 days at first to prevent further spread of the virus with a curfew at 20h00 till the Thursday 2 April.
Only essential services will be open for instance banks, supermarkets and pharmacies among others.
Public transport in Mauritius is reduced with fixed hours from 06:00 to 10:00 and then from 15:00 to 18:00.
The churches are closed with ceremonies with only 20 people authorized for the funeral. The mosques also closed their doors for the safety of the believers.
N95 mask in Mauritius
You should always protect yourself with a mask whenever go out to go, to the supermarket for example. The N95 mask is available in Mauritius in some pharmacies including the pharmacy located at 25, Bourbon Street- Port Louis named UNIPHARM PHARMACY, the telephone number is the following 208 0743.
Hand sanitizer
It is highly recommended to disinfect your hands with hand sanitizer to prevent microbes from having access to your face. If you can’t get any, hand sanitizer can be made at home you may watch how it is done on Youtube.