“Think of the earth as a living organism that is being attacked by billions of bacteria whose numbers double every forty years. Either the host dies, or the virus dies, or both die.” –Gore Vidal
Dinagyang Festival revelers should not be scared of some bomber the Philippine National Police is so concerned about but the new coronavirus (CoV) strain, which is spreading rapidly across China, is a “silent terrorist” that should be feared as suspected cases are said to have arrived in the Philippines.
Hundreds across China have already been diagnosed with scientists confirming the virus can spread from human to human.
There are currently suspected cases in Kalibo, Aklan, where the annual Ati-Atihan Festival came to a close last weekend. With Iloilo City’s annual Dinagyang Festival reaching its climax this weekend, it must be by the Department of Health-Region VI issued a warning to those joining the festivities.
One hopes the health scare is a false alarm.
The virus should be considered by all as a “clear and present danger” and all precautions must be made to avoid this virus.
In New York City, similar concerns have arisen as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed an individual in Washington was found to be carrying the virus. Federal officials said the person was hospitalized with pneumonia last week and had recently visited Wuhan, China—“ground zero” for the outbreak.
As of this writing, passengers traveling to the United States from Wuhan will only be allowed at five US airports in order to conduct health screenings.
What is CoV and what is known about it?
- CoV is described as a large family of viruses with some causing less-severe disease, such as the common cold, and others more severe disease, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS; and severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms are similar to pneumonia with initial indicators including fever, cough, tightness of the chest, and shortness of breath.
- CoV is typically transferred from animal to human but the new strain can be transmitted between humans.
- According to the BBC, WHO is considering a public health emergency declaration, similar to what was done for Ebola and swine flu. If a declaration is made, a coordinated international response must follow.
- At least 15 medical workers have been infected with the new CoV strain, with one in critical condition. It has yet to be confirmed but it is speculated they contracted the illness while treating patients in isolation.
- The new CoV strain has been traced to a seafood market in Wuhan. The international cases have all been traced to the same area of China.
- With people taking measures to protect themselves, medical-style face masks have sold out in China. Many in Wuhan, in particular, are wearing masks.
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Alex P. Vidal, who is based in New York City, used to be the editor for two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ