The disease is officially named as COVID-19 (CO-Corona VI- Viral D- Disease-19). Different reports and reviews circulating on websites highlight that both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients are reported in hospitals of China. As this virus is new in the family, therefore, no preventive vaccination or disease curing drug is available in the market.
To date the virus outbreak is converted in pandemic and have been identified in 50 different countries of all the continents. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in neighboring countries of Pakistan and Middle East were already reported. On 26 February, 2020, two confirmed cases in Karachi and Islamabad have been reported. The reported patients travelled in Iran during the virus outbreak i.e. February, 2020. Both patients have been hospitalized and reported as stable.
COVID-19 Worldwide statistics as of 26 February, 2020
A total number of 82,418 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide out of which 2,808 have been died and 33,026 have been recovered. Number of currently infected or active cases is 46,584 out of which 38,115 (82%) are in mild condition while 8,469 (18%) are in critical or serious condition.
Number of closed cases is 35,834 out of which 33,026 (92%) have been recovered or discharged while 2,808 (8%) have been died. Trend of new cases and death is on rise in China, South Korea, Japan and Iran. Number of new cases is on rise in different countries including Italy, Kuwait and Hong Kong. Estimated incubation period of the virus is 2 – 14 days while estimated transmission rate is 2 – 3 new infected patients from 01 case. Earlier estimated Fatality Rate (CFR) was 2%. (CFR is calculated with simple formula deaths / cases at the end of epidemic however during the outbreak this formula can produce misleading results).
COVID-19 Fatality Rate by Age
Based on all 72,314 cases of COVID-19 confirmed, suspected, and asymptomatic cases in China as of February 11, a paper by the Chinese CCDC released on February 17 and published in the Chinese Journal of Epidemiology has found that the risk of death increases by age.
Gender ratio
Gender ratio figures are reported from China. Possible cause of highest ratio of males can be related to smoking which is more common among males in China. Smoking increases the risks of respiratory complications.
Pre-existing medical conditions (comorbidities)
The percentage shown below does NOT represent in any way the share of deaths by pre-existing condition. Rather, it represents, for a patient with a given pre-existing condition, the risk of dying if infected by COVID-19.
Similarities and Differences between COVID-19 other Known Viruses
Epidemiologists use R0 number to estimate how many people an infected patient might spread their virus to. COVID-19’s value is similar to that of the flu.
How COVID-19 transmit from Person to Person
The known cause of transmission of virus is through respiratory secretions of infected patient during coughing and sneezing. Coughing and sneezing cause infected secretions to spread in the surrounding air. If any nearby person is directly exposed to these secretions can catch the virus. Other possibility of transmission of the virus is use of contaminated items or personal belongings of infected person such as handkerchief, towels, utensils etc. Another mode of transmission could be eye secretions and saliva of infected person.
COVID-19 Detailed Symptoms
COVID-19 typically causes flu-like symptoms including fever and cough. In elderly and underlined health condition patients’ symptoms may rapidly complicated into pneumonia, with chest tightness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It seems to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough. After a week, it can lead to shortness of breath, with about 20% of patients requiring hospitalization. Notably, the COVID-19 infection rarely seems to cause a runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat (these symptoms have been observed in only about 5% of patients). Sore throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose are most often signs of common cold.
What Hospitals do to the patients
As the virus is new in the family therefore, no vaccine or curing drug is available in the market. Hospitals provide isolated patient care to restrict direct contact of infected persons to normal or uninfected people in order to control the viral outbreak. The treatment is symptomatic to relive pain, cough, fever and provide fluids and electrolyte balance. In addition, the patients with medium and severe intensity of disease are provided artificial ventilation.
Vulnerable population
People with underlying health conditions, chronic diseases and elderly are most vulnerable to COVID-19. In Pakistan’s social and environmental conditions, people living in poor health and unhygienic conditions are more likely to be severely affected by COVID-19. People living in slum areas, densely populated areas are likely to suffer more from COVID-19 in case of outbreak in the country.
Precautions
The COVID-19 is not lethal or deadly virus. The fatality rate is within 3% which is less than typhoid, malaria and tuberculosis, therefore, not everyone who infected is going to die. Proper awareness campaigns will result in control of outbreak and reduced panic in the society. Older people and people with marginalized health are supposed to be more effected by the COVID-19, therefore, they need special attention by their families. Simple precautionary measures may give better results. Precautions include proper hand and face wash with soap or any disinfectant and cleaning of nose specially entering home from outside. Use face masks or any clean cloth to cover mouth and nose when out of home. Avoid touching / rubbing nose and eyes with unwashed hands in public places because unwashed hands could be possible source of infection. During coughing and sneezing cover the mouth and nose with clean cloth or tissue paper with proper disposal after use. Avoid unnecessary public gatherings. During viral outbreak, body’s natural immune system is most vital in survival or recovery. The people must take nutrient rich and easily digestible diets including vegetables, grains, pulses and fruits. Drink plenty of water and fresh citrus juices.
Suspected / infected patients must be careful and report to the health officials at earliest for further advice.