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News: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak in China as a public health emergency of international concern.
Facts:
Coronavirus:
- These are viruses belonging to a family known as Coronaviridae. They are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people
- They cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Novel Coronavirus:
- It is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. 2019-nCoV, had not previously detected before the outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
- Transmission: It is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets.
- Symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Public Health Emergency
- Defined as an extraordinary event that constitutes a public health risk to other States through the international spread of the disease and potentially requires a coordinated international response.
- Declared under International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) by Director-General of the WHO
- Previous Declarations:
o H1N1 Influenza-2009
o Polio-2014
o Ebola-2014 and 2019
o Zika Virus: 2016
Additional Information:
International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)
- Aim: prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease
- Legally binding international law on 196 states and countries must report events of international public health importance
- Entered into force in 2007
Objectives:
- Assist countries to work together to save lives and livelihoods endangered by the international spread of diseases and other health risks
- Avoid unnecessary interference with international trade and travel.
