An infection with a novel coronavirus has been reported from China. As on 11th January 2020, 41 confirmed cases have been reported so far, of which one has died. Only travel-related cases have been reported (one each) in Thailand and Japan. The clinical signs and symptoms are mainly fever with a few patients having difficulty breathing.
The mode of transmission is unclear as of now. However, so far there is little evidence of significant human-to-human transmission.
Although as per the World Health Organization’s risk assessment the risk for global spread has been stated as low, as a matter of abundant precaution, the travelers to China are advised the following:
Travelers to China should follow simple public health measures at all times as under:
Observe good personal hygiene
Practice frequent handwashing with soap
Follow respiratory etiquettes – cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness, such as cough, runny nose, etc.
Avoid contact with live animals and consumption of raw/undercooked meats
Avoid travel to farms, live animal markets or where animals are slaughtered
Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose
All travelers to China (in particular Wuhan city) to monitor their health closely.
If you feel sick and have a fever and cough:
Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing
Don’t plan travels if sick
Seek medical attention promptly
If you feel sick on the flight, while traveling back to India:
Inform the airlines’ crew about illness
Seek mask from the airlines’ crew
Avoid close contact with family members or fellow travelers
Follow the directions of airline crew while disembarking
If you feel sick on a flight or at the time of disembarkation:
Report to airport health authorities/immigration
Follow the direction of the airport health officer
If you feel sick within a span of one month after return from China:
Report the illness to the nearest health facility and also inform the treating doctor regarding your travel history
