Corona Virus
Beginning in December 2019, a small cluster of cases of a pneumonia of unknown origin was reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Genetic sequencing of samples taken from those cases revealed the cause to be a previously unknown coronavirus, subsequently named 2019-nCoV. Epidemiologists quickly traced the outbreak to a wholesale food market in Wuhan.
2019-nCoV is genetically part of the same clade (taxonomic classification) of coronavirus as Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS, or MERS-CoV), first identified after an outbreak in the Middle East in 2012, and SARS, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) responsible for outbreaks in 2002 and 2003. With approximately a 10 percent lethality rate, the 2003 SARS outbreak resulted in 774 deaths worldwide. SARS was originally thought to have leapt from civet cats to humans, but recent genetic research also shows bats are a natural reservoir. MERS, first reported in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, is thought to have leapt from dromedary camels to humans. MERS has proved far more lethal. As of December 2019, there were 2,499 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS worldwide, resulting in 861 associated deaths—meaning that the MERS infection was fatal in about 34 percent of cases.
2019-nCoV also apparently enters cells in the same way, via the same cell entry receptor, as SARS-CoV. Uncertainty remains as to the animal or animals responsible for infecting humans. Bat species are the most likely natural reservoir, but snakes and other animals haven’t been ruled out.
Corona Virus: Scammers
Facebook says no to fake news, joins hands with WHO to combat misinformation about corona virus
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They’re setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information.
The emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about cases in your neighborhood. They also may be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments.
Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:
- Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. It could download a virus onto your computer or device. Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying that have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations. If you see ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the Coronavirus, ask yourself: if there’s been a medical breakthrough, would you be hearing about it for the first time through an ad or sales pitch?
- Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
- Be alert to “investment opportunities.” The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about online promotions, including on social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure coronavirus and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result.
If you come across any suspicious claims, report them to the Cyber crime office and police station.
In general, the following advice can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading the infection to others:
1. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Stay home if you are sick.
4. When coughing or sneezing: cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues to reduce the spread of germs.
5. Immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.
6. Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centers if you are sick.
7.Avoid mass gathering places like cinema hall,festival gathering etc
8. People travelling to the province of Hubei, China, Italy, France or Iran should take precautions.
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