Covid 19 also known as Novel CoronaVirus is an epidemic which was declared as 6 th
Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30th
January 2020.This was dec lared as
an epidemic in 2020.Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID 19) is an infectious dIsease caused by
severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). In Novel Corona Virus the word
“Novel” means New and Corona means Crown.On 11th
February 2020 the World Health
Organization announced the official name of the disease as “Covid 19”.It is also a ZOONOTIC
disease as it is the virus that is thought to be a natural and have an animal origin through spillover
infection,but the actual origin is unknown.
This disease was first identified on 31 st December 2019 in Wuhan ,the capital of
China’s Hubei province and has since spread globally.The Chinese opthalmologist Li Wenliang
who had first shared suspician of a Sars-like illness spreading in Wuhan was also affected by the
Coronavirus and died on 6th
February 2020.
The Virus is primarily spread between people during close contact , often via small droplets
produced by coughing, sneezing or talking with close contact being within approximately 1-3 m
(3-10 ft).As these droplets are heavy they usually fall to the ground or onto surface rather than
being infectious over long distance. The virus can survive on surfaces for upto 72 hours.Major
symptems are fever,dry cough, shortness of breath.This disease leads to pneumonia ,viral sepsis,
acute respiratory distress syndrome,Kidney failure.Usual onset is 2-14 days (typically 5) from
exposure.The diagnostic method is rRT-PCR testing , CT scan.Currently there is no vaccine or
specific antiviral treatment for COVID 19.Management involves treatment of symptoms
,supportive care isolation and experimental measures.
Thrissur District in Kerala is the first place in India to have confirmed case of
Coronavirus infection.Government of India declared Janatha Curfew and National Lock down for
social distancing to prevent the spreading of Covid 19. “Break the Chain “ is a new campaign by
the Department of Health,Kerala State to prevent Coronavirus and also started DISHA 1056 a
call center to address the concers related to covidal influence.
Covid 19 can only be prevented through social distancing, hand
washing,wearing masks,using sanitizer, quarantine, Curfew etc.
”What is needed is Caution,not fear”
