Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)What you need to know

TOOLBOX TALK

Disclaimer: This presentation has been developed for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Should you have questions or concerns about any topic described here, please consult your medical professional.

© 2020 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.Unauthorized copy or distribution is prohibited.

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Outbreak of pneumonia started in Wuhan, ChinaDecember 30• First cases reported• Most of these cases associated with

South China Seafood Market• Some human to human transmission

January• Identified as novel (new) coronavirus• Has been termed 2019-nCoV

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What are coronaviruses?• Coronaviruses are a large family of

viruses, some can infect people.

• Some cause mild illness, such as strains responsible for some common colds.

• Others can potentially lead to severe, or even fatal, disease – such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which continues to circulate in some parts of the world.

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is also a coronavirus. It caused severe and fatal disease in 2002-03, however, is no longer in circulation.

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About coronaviruses• The natural reservoir for

coronaviruses is thought to be animal hosts.

• New strains emerge from this reservoir, infect an 'intermediate' host, and from there infect people.

• The viruses may then be capable of being transmitted from one person to another.

• Some are efficient at human-to-human transmission, while others are not.

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Symptoms of 2019-nCoV

Fever Cough

Shortness of breath

Muscle aches

Seek immediate medical attention if you think you have been exposed or develop symptoms.

Diarrhoea

Sore throat

• Symptoms may appear within 14 days of probable exposure. Monitor your health.

• Severe disease can occur in people with underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

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How is it spread?Investigations are ongoing.

Transmission is possibly happening via two routes:

Human-to-humanFrom a sick person to others who are in close contact. In general, coronaviruses spread through infected respiratory droplets, just like other respiratory infections, including colds and influenza. A sick person expels these droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Others can get the disease via contact (direct or indirect) with these contaminated droplets.

Environment-to-humanTransmitted from an animal source to humans (zoonotic). The initial cluster of cases appeared to have a common source of exposure – a local live seafood and animal market in Wuhan.

Avoid contact with dead or live animals and their environment. Stay away from sick people.

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How is it treated?• There is no specific treatment

• Patients receive supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications

• No specific antiviral therapy

• No vaccine

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Prevention

Avoid potential exposure. Ensure good hygiene measures and safe food practices.

Avoid direct contact with animals (live or dead) and their environment. Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with droppings.

Keep some distance from people who are obviously sick.

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Prevention (continued)

Maintain good personal hygiene• Wash your hands frequently. • Carry hand sanitiser for use when soap

and water are not readily available. • Avoid touching your face.

Do not travel if you are sick. Note that some locations have implemented screening, and travellers may face quarantine and testing.

Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly cooked.

There is no vaccine against 2019-nCoV.

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Where will it spread?

• Originated in Wuhan, China.

• Spread across most of China.

• Imported cases identified in other countries.

• Majority of imported cases have history of travel to Wuhan, China.

Wherever there is an infected person, there is the potential for the virus to spread to people in close contact with them.

Any questionsI will be available for the next 30 minutes if you have any questions you would like to ask.Thank you.

Disclaimer: This presentation has been developed for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Should you have questions or concerns about any topic described here, please consult your medical professional.

© 2020 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.Unauthorized copy or distribution is prohibited.