BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) continues to shadow the world with fear.
It was reported that the said virus was discovered in Wuhan, China on the 31st of December, last year, as series of pneumonia cases with unknown cause were seen from citizens.
The virus was said to have not been previously identified in humans.
The 29 January Situation Report of the World Health Organization showed that there are 6,065 confirmed cases with most of these (5,997) in China alone. Thailand is second with 14 cases. Other locations included Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Germany, France, and Canada, among others.
According to the Department of Health in an advisory published today at 10:30 am, there is still NO CONFIRMED case of coronavirus in the country as of 28 January.
In 21 January, the DOH started investigating a five-year-old who travelled from Wuhan, China, after being admitted in Cebu City for manifesting symptoms of acquiring the virus.
Later on, however, in 24 January, it was reported that the child was negative of the virus.
In 28 January, DOH released a ‘2019-nCOV tracker’ where 24 persons were under investigation; 18 from NCR, two from Central Visayas, and one from Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, MIMAROPA, and Northern Mindanao.
Yesterday, as of 12 pm, 24 became 23; 17 from NCR, two from Central Visayas, and one from Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, MIMAROPA, and Davao.
There remains to be no vaccine to cure the new virus, according to DOH, but treatments can be made depending on the patient’s clinical conditions.
Signs include common flu-like and respiratory symptoms; fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties but when not treated can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
In case one shows signs of the virus, DOH recommends that person to separate oneself from other people at home.
Also, remember to call ahead before visiting the doctor.
Do not forget to wear a face mask and cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Lastly, it is also important to keep track of the symptoms to know if these are getting worse.
