Frequently Asked Questions

1. Frequently Asked Questions On Novel Corona Virus (nCoV) Danilo Saniatan R.N Charge Nurse RAC-Khurais Clinic

2. Al Moosa 2 confirmed cases, • The last Aramcon death occurred on 5/4/2013 at Al-MoosaHospital • The last 2 non-Aramcon death occurred on 5/7/2013 from Al-Moosa and Al-ManaHospitals • Nine out of 16 confirmed cases died • One case was admitted to Saad Hospital after discharge from Al-Moosa Hospital AMA

3. What is Novel Coronavirus? It is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Corona viruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness in humans and animals. In humans, this large family if viruses are known to cause illness ranging from common colds to severe acute respiratory syndrome . World Health Organization

4. Signs and symptoms of Novel Coronavirus? • In confirmed cases of illnesses in humans signs and symptoms includes: • Acute, serious respiratory illness with Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath • Breathing difficulties • Based on the current clinical experience, the infection generally presents as pneumonia. • It has cause kidney failure and death in some cases. • It is important to note that the current understanding of the illness caused by the infection is based on a limited number of cases and may change as more information becomes available. World Health Organization

5. Can it be transmitted from person to person? This is not known with certainty at this time. The cases occurring in the same family raises the possibility of limited Human-to-Human transmission. Alternatively, it is possible that the infected family members were exposed to the same source of infection example, in an household or workplace. Coughing may transmit the virus !!! World Health Organization

6. How could I become infected with the virus? To date, we do not know on how humans become infected with the virus. Investigations are underway to determine the virus source, types of exposure that lead to infection, mode of transmission and the clinic pattern and course of disease Is there a vaccine for Novel Coronavirus? There is NO VACCINE currently available. World Health Organization

7. Is there a treatment for the novel coronavirus? There is NO SPECIFIC TREATMENT for disease caused by novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms caused by this virus can be treated and therefore treatment should be based on the symptoms of the patient. Moreover, supportive case for the infected persons can be highly effective. World Health Organization

8. What can I do to protect myself? • Exactly how people become infected with this virus in not known at this time. However, some general measures that would be prudent and help prevent the acquisition of any respiratory illness. • Avoid close contact if possible with anyone who shows symptoms (coughing and sneezing). • Maintain good HAND HYGIENE. WASH hands frequently at least 15 to 20 seconds with soap and water!!! World Health Organization

9. How widespread is the novel coronavirus? It is unknown how widespread this virus may be. WHO is encouraging the continued close monitor for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) or Pneumonia. WHO will continue to share information as it is available. Is the novel coronavirus like SARS? SARS is a coronavirus that was identified in 2003 and belongs to the same large family of viruses as the novel coronavirus. Therefore, SARS and the novel coronavirus are distantly related. Both viruses are capable of causing severe disease. However, they have important difference based on current information. Most importantly, the novel coronavirus does not appear to transmit easily between people while the SARS virus was much more transmissible. World Health Organization

10. Is it true that this novel coronavirus originated in bats? This is one possibility but the origin of the virus has not yet been established. Is humans become infected with novel coronavirus from animals? If so, which ones should we be concerned about? WHO (World Health Organization) is closely monitoring the situation to identify how people are being exposed. There is currently NO DIRECT EVIDENCE that the human cases were exposed thorough direct contact with animals. World Health Organization

11. What are the symptoms? • Human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses of short duration. • Symptoms may include: • Runny nose • Cough • Sore throat and • Fever. • These viruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia. • This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease or compromised immune systems. World Health Organization

12. How can I protect myself and others? • Washing your hands often with soap and water, • Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. • Staying home while you are sick, • Avoiding close contact with others if you are sick, • Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and • Keeping objects and surfaces clean and disinfected.

13. Novel coronavirus summary and literature update – as of 8 May 2013 • The reappearance of this virus and the pattern of transmission currently being observed in Saudi Arabia increase the level of concern regarding this novel pathogen. • The questions of the exposures that result in human infection, the mode of transmission, the source of the virus, and the extent of infection in the community urgently need to be answered and are being actively pursued by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia. • The association of this outbreak with a single health care facility suggests nosocomial transmission. • However, the presence of infection in two family members not associated with the facility itself raises a concern about potential broader transmission in the community. • Some features of the cases, such as the predominance of males and the age distribution among confirmed cases, may provide important clues to exposures. • Evidence suggests that the virus may have its origin in bat species, though the evidence is largely circumstantial and will remain so until the virus is demonstrated in an animal species. • Vigilance and enhanced surveillance are needed within the affected area and for unusual clusters of respiratory disease in the rest of the world, particularly clusters associated with health care environments.

14. PREVENTIONIs Better Than Cure !!! Thank You