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Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Transmission

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

  • The air by coughing and sneezing
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

Signs and symptoms

The World Health Organisation has recommended that anyone who displays symptoms of the coronavirus, and has visited Wuhan in Hubei Province, China in the past 14 days, should be investigated for infection. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Treatment

If you develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately and share your previous travel history with your doctor - especially if you have been abroad in the past 14 days.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Reducing exposure

There are certain steps you can take to reduce your exposure to 2019-nCoV:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze with your flexed elbow or a tissue. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Travelling to countries with reported confirmed cases

So far, no cases have been reported in South Africa.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding non-essential travel to China.  The necessary precautionary measures should apply during travel.

Medical aid benefits for confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV

Benefits for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital care will apply according to the different plan types.

Detailed information

For a detailed article on the coronaviruses, please follow this link.

There are also some great pamphlets that you can download from the WHO (World Health Organisation)