WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

Coronavirus are a family of viruses that cause illnesses from the common cold to severe illnesses, typically they infect animals but a few affect humans like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MER-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The coronavirus currently causing concern is known as 2019-nCoV. It is a new strain that has not previously been identified in humans.

WHY IS THE VIRUS CONCERNING HEALTH AUTHORITIES?

Some coronaviruses can have severe death tolls. The MER-coV virus has a fatality rate of 26 per cent, SARS had a fatality rate of 12 per cent. This compares to the fatality rate for the influenza virus of less than one per cent. To date the new 2019 nCoV coronavirus has killed nine people so it is so far not as severe as these more worrying coronaviruses.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS?

The symptoms could be as mild as a common cold but in severe cases it the virus can cause severe pneumonia, fever and shortness of breath.

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

The virus originated in the city of Wuhan in China the first cases were identified in people who travelled to local food markets and one theory is it was transmitted from animals to some of the humans who visited the market.

IS HUMAN TO HUMAN TRANSMISSION POSSIBLE?

Chinese health authorities have confirmed the virus is now being transmitted from human to human. A number of health workers in China contracted the virus from sick patients.

HOW CAN YOU CATCH IT?

The virus could be transmitted in droplets in the breath of infected people or could be transmitted if they leave traces of the virus on door handles or railings they have touched that are subsequently touched by others.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

Wearing a face mask could help if the virus is transmitted through the air. Washing hands with soapy water regularly and using alcohol based hand disinfectants available in supermarkets can help prevent the spread.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE A COLD-LIKE VIRUS?

If you have been in contact with anyone who has recently travelled to China or an infected country who has been ill you should go to your doctor and get tested. Stay at home and don’t use public transport to minimise spreading the infection.

IS THERE A TEST FOR THE VIRUS?

The US has developed a fast test for the virus and is in the process of sharing it with other countries. Results can be returned within a day.

WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD?

It could take between seven to 10 days after you are infected before symptoms of the virus emerge.

IS THERE A VACCINE?

Currently there is no vaccine but the National Institute of Health in the US is working on one. It could take months before it can be trialled. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said the University of Queensland has government funding for epidemic preparedness and may be asked to help develop a vaccine

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE CORONA VIRUS?

PLEASE CALL YOUR GP OR CLOSEST HOSPITAL URGENTLY BEFORE VISITING THEM. (HEALTH AUTHORITIES MAY ARRANGE DEDICATED PHONE NUMBER)

If you suspect you may have the novel coronavirus, please call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.