WHO declares coronavirus a public emergency. Here’s how you can protect yourself from it

The menace of coronavirus is on a rise and with the increasing death toll every passing day, it is leading to a health emergency across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new coronavirus outbreak a “global health emergency” after the death toll in China increased to 213 on Friday, with 9,692 confirmed in the country’s 31 provincial-level regions.

By now most of you would be familiar with the term coronovirus—unless you are living under a rock. For the uninitiated, coronavirus causes a pneumonia-like illness that can turn fatal if adequate measures are not taken.

First detected in Wuhan City, the virus spread like wildfire—so much so— that the first case of coronavirus has now been reported in India as well–specifically in Kerala.

Also, read: Here is everything you need to know about the infectious coronavirus that has been making news

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised China‘s efforts to contain the outbreak, saying he had never seen a nation respond so aggressively to a disease, including building a new hospital in just 10 days, reports Bloomberg.

“Let me be clear: This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China,” Tedros said. “On the contrary the WHO continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak.”

It was on Thursday that Kerala state Health Minister K.K. Shailaja told the media that a girl student who arrived here from China’s Wuhan (where the virus was first reported) was the first confirmed case of the virus in the country.

As per the latest reports, the Kerala girl who has been the first patient to test positive for coronavirus case in India, has been shifted to the Thrissur Medical College hospital and her condition is improving, according to health authorities.

What are the symptoms of a coronavirus infection?

• Fever
• Cough
• Breathing difficulties
• Respiratory symptoms
• Shortness of breath

Here’s how you can protect yourself from coronavirus
While there is no vaccine as of now for the coronavirus as per the WHO, there isn’t any specific treatment for it as well. What you can do from your end is just prevention. Here are a few preventive measures for coronavirus as per the National Health Commission of China:

• Wear a mask so that your mouth and nose are covered.
• Before eating and after using the toilet, wash your hands with a soap for at least 15 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with people who are suffering from cold and flu.
• Eat well-cooked proteins and ditch contact with animals and livestock without protection.

So, stay safe and stay healthy.