Hokesen Letter No.202 Novel coronavirus infection (2019-novel coronavirus:2019-2CoV)

February 5, 2020

Hokesen Letter, No 202 (English ver.), February, 2020.
Health Care Center, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Yasuhiro Yamauchi, MD, PhD.

A novel pneumonia related with ‘novel coronaviruses (2019-nCoV)’ from Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China was reported by WHO, December 2019. After that, the occurrence of novel coronavirus infection were reported from Japan, other countries in Asia region and in the world. On January 31st 2020, WHO stated that the outbreak of novel coronavirus meets the criteria of Public health Emergency of International Concern, and recommended to proceed infection control measure.

Please check our homepage of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies to get information about novel corona infection control measures.
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/NEWS/notice/202001virus.html

Types of coronaviruses that infect humans are four types of common cold viruses (10% to 15% of common colds) and two types that cause severe pneumonia. Transmission of infection is said to be droplets (coughing and sneezing) and contact infection, and the incubation period is said to be about 2 to 14 days.

Main symptoms are similar with other common cold, such as runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever. Sometimes it can be more severe, breathing difficulties and pneumonia. And it can be fetal. It is said that it is necessary to pay attention to the seriousness of the disease, especially for the elderly and those with underlying diseases.

To protect yourself, we recommend you to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, gargle, and rub your hands with alcohol. Also, in public places, do not touch various places, and do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth *. You should also keep a distance of about 1 meter.
*From the perspective of preventing contact infection.
** It is said that sneezes spread a drop of about 1 meter so it is better to avoid crowds as much as possible and keep a distance from others.

Please follow "cough etiquette". Cough etiquette refers to covering your mouth and nose with mask, handkerchief or cloth. Do not cover your mouth and nose directly with your hands.

Right now, there is no specific treatment, such as an effective antiviral drug, but symptomatic or optimal supportive care is provided.

Reference:
WHO:Q and A on coronaviruses
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

In Japanese 厚生労働省:新型コロナウイルスに関するQ and A https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/dengue_fever_qa_00001.html

If you have any questions, please consult Health Care Center, TUFS.

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