In the wake of the outbreak of deadly Coronavirus in China which is causing respiratory problems, India on Friday issued a travel advisory asking citizens to follow certain precautionary measures such as avoiding travel to farms, live animal markets or where animals are slaughtered, and refrain consuming “raw or undercooked meat” while visiting the neighbouring country.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which cause illnesses to people and also circulate in animals including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can also evolve and infect people.
The advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry stated that even though the mode of transmission of the Coronavirus is unclear as of now, those visiting China are advised to avoid travel to farms, live animal markets or where animals are slaughtered, and refrain consuming “raw or undercooked meat”.
It suggested avoiding close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness, such as cough, runny nose among others. The advisory asks travellers to China to follow some “public health measures at all times” like observing good personal hygiene, practice frequent hand-washing with soap and follow etiquettes like covering mouth when coughing or sneezing.
It also stated that as on January 11, 2020 as many as 41 confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus have been reported so far, of which one person has died.
“Only travel-related cases have been reported (one each) in Thailand and Japan. The clinical signs and symptoms are mainly fever with a few patients having difficulty in breathing. “The mode of transmission is unclear as of now. However, so far there is little evidence of significant human-to-human transmission. Although as per the World Health Organisation’s risk assessment, the risk for global spread has been stated as low,” the advisory read.
All travellers to China, in particular to Wuhan city, have been advised to monitor their health closely.
As a precaution, the Ministry has instructed screening of international travellers from China at designated airports namely, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata through thermal scanners.
“If you feel sick within a span of one month after return from China, report the illness to the nearest health facility and also inform the treating doctor regarding your travel history,” the advisory states.