The Sunday Mail
Viral outbreaks
A virus is the smallest of infectious microbes, smaller than bacteria or fungi. Viruses replicate in cells, so they use a lot of the same mechanisms that our cells do.
“It’s been harder to find drugs that target the virus but don’t damage the cell as well”, said Professor Diane Griffin, Johns Hopkins University.
Scientists observe that teeny tiny viruses are one of the biggest threats that humanity has ever faced.
In fact, viruses can make other germs sick.
Severe illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and smallpox are caused by viruses.
Recently, a novel coronavirus has devastated the world. Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) is the official name adopted by the World Health Organisation.
Covid-19, the 21st member of Coronaviruses, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, a common cause of colds and other upper respiratory infections.
However, in the 21st century, 3 coronavirus outbreaks have emerged from animal reservoirs to cause severe diseases and global transmission concern.
SARS (2002-2003), MERS (2012), and COVID-19 have caused deadly disease outbreaks.
Covid-19, first reported in Wuhan, China, has rapidly spread throughout the globe, threatening human populations.
The WHO declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, the first to be sparked by a coronavirus.
Covid-19 is mainly spread from person-person, between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 1.8metres).
It is also transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The droplets can get into the mouth and noses of people who are nearby, and probably inhaled into the lungs.
Although spread is possible before people show symptoms, symptomatic patients are the most contagious.
A person can get Covid-19 by touching a contaminated object or surface, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
SARS-CoV-2 virus symptoms typically appear within 4 or 5 days after exposure. Patients with mild cases appear to recover within one or two weeks, and 6 weeks in severe cases.
According to the most recent estimates, about 1% of infected persons will succumb to the disease.
As of March 25, 2020, statistics showed more than 400,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with over 18,000 deaths, and about 109,000 recoveries recorded worldwide.
Europe recorded 218,170 confirmed cases, 10,000 deaths, and 21,840 recoveries. Italy had reached approximately 74,000 confirmed cases, 6,077 deaths, and 9,300 recoveries.
Spain had overtaken China with 49,515 confirmed cases, 5,367 recoveries and 3,647 deaths.
Africa had 2,475 confirmed cases, 64 deaths, and 196 recoveries in 46 countries. Northern Africa was leading the perk with 953 cases, 47 deaths and 164 recoveries.
Zimbabwe was the only country that had recorded a single death in Southern Africa’s 740 cases, and 12 recoveries.
RIP Zororo Makamba!
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Covid-19. However, antiviral drugs have been used to combat viral infections by slowing down the damage from the virus.
Scientists are studying an antiviral drug, Remsdesivir, as a way to treat Covid-19. The drug crucially fools the virus, but not human cells.
Remsdesivir works by blocking the SARS-CoV-2 virus from copying its genetic material, RNA, the instructions the virus uses to replicate itself.
There is also strong evidence that Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine can kill Covid-19 virus.
Scientists in southern France, a region hard hit by Covid-19, compared 26 patients who received hydroxychloroquine to 16 who did not.
After 6 days, the virus was gone in 70% of those given the treatment, compared to only 12.5% of those who weren’t.
However, the study was too small to be sure about the effectiveness of the drug.
A number of therapies can be initiated by doctors to limit the immune system’s response to viruses, like fever and inflammation, which can cause more damage to a patient than the virus itself.
However, scientific studies require extensive, time-consuming testing to ensure they are safe for the human population.
Despite all the scientific efforts, the pandemic remains a threat to humanity. Preventing the disease from occurring in the first place remains a primary goal.
Harvard Health scientists posited that the immune system functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy living strategies such as these:
Ø Don’t smoke
Ø Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Ø Take a multivitamin supplement if you may not be getting all the nutrients you need through your diet
Ø Exercise regularly
Ø Maintain a healthy weight
Ø Control your stress level
Ø Control your blood pressure
Ø If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation (no more than 1-2 drinks per day for men, no more than one a day for women)
Ø Get enough sleep
Ø Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and trying not to touch your face, since harmful germs can enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth
People should not panic and follow procedures for reducing the risk of spread. Listening, learning, emulating, asking for support, and acting are critical in containing the virus.
Countries must prepare the population through appropriate risk communication and community engagement.
In China, the disease has been nipped by imposing unprecedented restrictions on social and professional activities for entire populations.
These 7 High-tech strategies are worth learning from China:
Ø Drones for sharing information on loud speakers, spraying disinfectant, and taking people’s temperatures
Ø Reducing contact through use of robots
Ø Biotechnology for immune boosting ingredients to help stem vulnerability to infection
Ø Virtual classrooms for “home schooling” programs via live streaming
Ø Remote working to keep adults at home too
Ø Unmanned retail to minimise human interaction
Ø Building emergency centres (hospitals), locking down, and mobilising resources.
However, low-middle income countries are still lagging behind in technology, making it difficult to contain Covid-19.
Little good is good enough. It is not too late to learn from China!
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