Coronavirus update

Coronavirus update : what we know and what we don't yet know.

Two months after its emergence in China, the new coronavirus has not finished revealing all its secrets. Many questions remain unanswered, including its origin and its ability to infect people without causing symptoms. Coronavirus update: In total, 42 countries are affected, 5 continents are affected, 82 549 people are infected and more than 2810 Died.

On the origin of the virus

The very first cases of Covid-19, name attributed to the disease caused by this new coronavirus, mainly concern people who have visited or were working on Wuhan Market. It's a market where seafood and live animals were sold. The hypothesis of zoonosis is favoured, i.e. an animal-borne disease. Genetic analyses have indeed shown that the new coronavirus is very close to a virus present in a bat species. For the time being, it is not known how the virus managed to pass from animal to human.

On the symptoms it causes

In the majority of cases identified, the new coronavirus causes symptoms similar to those of influenza syndrome : fever, coughing, sore throats, breathing difficulties, muscle pain and fatigue.

Some people are more at risk than others. This is the case for the elderly and those already suffering from a disease (Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, liver disease, respiratory problems). On the other hand,, children seem largely unaffected by the epidemic.

On its level of danger

"Right now, there is not enough data available to know for sure what the mortality of Covid-19 is. But preliminary data suggest that it is less fatal than SARS.". This is what the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control states on its website. The SARS mortality rate, causing an epidemic in China 2002, was established in 10%.

Regarding the rate of complications, Chinese study indicates that 80% patients studied did not have severe symptoms and recovered spontaneously from. For the rest, 14% cases involved severe forms. And nearly 5% were in critical condition, marked by respiratory or kidney failure, septic shock or even multi-visceral failure syndrome.

On how it is transmitted

Human-to-human transmission is proven. Infection is spread through close contact with a patient, by inhaling droplets emitted during sneezing or coughing, or after contact with surfaces that have just been contaminated. For the moment, it is not known how long the virus can survive on surfaces. There are also doubts about possible oro-fecal transmission.

Infected people may be contagious during their incubation period, when they don't have symptoms yet. Gold Based on available data, The incubation period is around 5 or 6 days. And in rarer cases, it would be between 1 and 14 days.

On its contagiousness

On average, a patient infects 3,28 people. A rate that, if it reflects the reality, is by no means definitive. A figure close to that of SARS, and higher than the flu (1,2 to 1,4).

On treatments

There is no specific drug for these viruses, even though several antivirals are currently being tested. Management is based solely on treating symptoms.

Similarly, no vaccine is available. Several research institutes (including the Pasteur laboratory) pharmaceutical companies are entering the race for the vaccine. Some build on research already done in the development of an Ebola or SARS vaccine. The first trials are expected in the coming months.

Coronavirus update: No cases in Madagascar

The Big Island has so far recorded no cases of coronavirus. But it is preparing to increase passenger screening at its ports and airports.

On the side of tourism operators, it's worrying because the season starts in less than a month. "We remain very vigilant. The number of staff at ports and airports has been doubled to strengthen passenger controls. So today, we're making every effort so that this virus does not return to Madagascar", explains Joel Randriamandranto, Minister of Transport and Tourism, which is reassuring, but firm.

Caution, but don't panic !

Coco Lodge Majunga calls you to be vigilant. In case of a fever, cough and dyspnea, seek medical attention without delay. Don't worry too much, but you can never be too careful.

Reminder, Coco Lodge Majunga, it is also a Hotel★★★, a gourmet Restaurant, one Four-wheel-drive renter with guide driver and Event organizer (conferences, seminars, workshops, lunches/dinners with themes, wedding, anniversary, boy-girl stag, …).

For your holidays or business trips, the whole team of the Hotel ★★★ Coco Lodge is delighted to meet your expectations and satisfy your needs. Our goal is to offer you an unforgettable stay in the city of Majunga. Coco Lodge TO organises tours of Majunga and its surroundings and many more. Discover the Anjohibe Caves, Ankarafantsika National Park, Sacred Lake, Red Circus, the beaches, the Antrema reserve, the lighthouse of Katsepy, Papamena, The Poseidon, Mahavavy Kinkony Complex, Namoroka tsingys, ….

By #CocoLodgeMajunga