Coronavirus has infected 87 British people so far, with John Hopkins University estimating over 85,510 cases of COVID-19 worldwide. Will coronavirus fade away from the public sphere?
Professor Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director of Public Health England, said:
“The majority of the new cases are linked to travel to affected countries, but we are carrying out contact tracing to understand how people acquired their infection.”
The Guardian reported a Pomeranian pooch has now repeatedly tested a “weak positive” with coronavirus.
The dog didn’t show any symptoms of the infection, but its owner had confirmed coronavirus.
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The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said experts states the dog had “a low-level infection, likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission”.
Disputing this, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated there’s no evidence animals, such as cats and dogs, can be infected with coronavirus.
According to The Guardian, the animal first showed low levels of the virus when tested on 26th February.
Results also showed a “weak positive” following another test on 2nd March.
The Society for the Protection of Animals in Hong Kong wanted to make clear that being infected wasn’t the same as being infectious.
As it currently stands, only a laboratory test can confirm coronavirus.
In humans, health officials estimate it can take up to 14 days to present symptoms after catching the virus.
Well-known symptoms of coronavirus include a cough, fever and shortness of breath.
According to the WHO, most people show symptoms after five days after being infected.
This estimate may change as more information becomes available.
A recent review paper published in the journal JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) suggested the incubation period may be as long as 24 days.
With Japan and China reporting reinfection of the virus, what does virologist Florian Krammer have to say on the matter?
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“I’m not saying that reinfection can’t occur, will never occur, but in a short time, it’s unlikely,” he said.
Still, Japanese authorities report that a tour guide in Osaka first tested positive for the virus then, after recovery, she tested positive for the virus once again.
Zhan Qingyuan, director of pneumonia prevention and treatment at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, said: “For those patients who have been cured, there is a likelihood of a relapse.
“The antibody will be generated; however, in certain individuals, the antibody cannot last that long.”
Professor Doyle said: “We are calling on everyone to help prevent the spread of coronavirus to help protect yourself and those around you.
“Our message is clear – simple hand washing with soap for 20 seconds is the key step we can all take to make a real difference in stopping this virus spread.”
The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency last month, but it’s not yet considered to be a pandemic.
So far, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
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