CORONAVIRUS is spreading to other countries from China, with patients reported in France, UK and the United States. In China, more than 1,200 patients have been reported with the infection, of which 41 have died.

The Chinese government has imposed travel restrictions in three of its cities to stop the spread of the virus. There are 13 cases reported in Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam and Singapore to date.

The health authorities have yet to determine the cause of coronavirus. What is known is that it is common in all kinds of animals and sometimes it can infect human.

The virus can transfer from one person to another when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There are higher chances of the virus spreading among people who are in close contact with an infected person like family members and co workers.

To fight the epidemic on a global basis health screening measures have been taken at the airports of many countries.

Myra Alam

Quetta

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2020