The first 2019-nCoV deaths outside mainland China have been reported: the first, a 44yo man hospitalised in the Philippines after travelling from Wuhan is said to have been co-infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza B, while the second, in Hong Kong, was a man with diabetes who had recently visited Wuhan – no information was provided on whether his chronic illness contributed to his death. More than 20 countries, including Australia, have now introduced travel restrictions relating to the outbreak.
Doctors at a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, have declared some success after using oseltamivir in combination with lopinavir and ritonavir on several seriously ill 2019-nCoV patients (Feb 3 article in The Scientist). Trials are underway on other drug combinations and treatments, as reported in Science and Cell Research.
Regular or daily situation updates issued by the WHO, ECDC, the US CDC, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security are listed together with resources collated in real time on The Global Health Network’s Knowledge Hub. The Feb 1 CDC HAN update delivers a situational update and interim guidance. The Australian Dept. of Health’s Coronavirus update at a glance summary included the latest case numbers: ‘As of this morning, 5 February 2020, 13 cases of 2019-nCoV have been confirmed in Australia: 4 in New South Wales, 4 in Victoria, 3 in Queensland, and 2 in South Australia. Of the 12 previously reported cases, 3 have recovered. The others are in a stable condition. Australian health authorities are testing another 213 people who show symptoms of the virus.’
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.