Diagnosis
There are several types of tests for this virus available. This would include serum PCR assay, nasal swab, broncho-alveolar lavage, sputum and sometimes stool samples.

Treatment
There is no specific treatment or vaccination for Coronaviruses and most mild cases are treated based on symptoms. Symptom relief may be achieved by taking pain and fever medication, using a room humidifier, drinking plenty of liquids and staying indoors as well as getting as much rest as possible.

If symptoms are more severe, please seek treatment from your healthcare provider.

On 10 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) published an interim guideline for all countries to prepare for this new virus outbreak. However standard recommendations need to be followed for prevention of the spread of infection. These include:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing and follow with hand hygiene.
• Avoid crowded places especially within a closed and confined space.
• Thoroughly cook meats and eggs.
• Avoid eating raw meat, fish and eggs.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to animals and avoid petting animals.
• Avoid contact with people suffering from acute respiratory illnesses.
• Stay home when you are having symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection.
• Drink plenty of water and keep well hydrated.
• Regularly clean and disinfect objects and surfaces touched by an infected person.
• Wear a face mask.

The above measures are effective against all infectious agents, including Influenza A and B (“the flu”), which sickens millions of individual worldwide and kills thousands each year.

Quarantine
The WHO published considerations for repatriation and quarantine of travelers and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a health notice for travelers. These include taking the following steps to reduce exposure and limit transmission:

• Travelers are required to be monitored for up to 14 days.
• Travelers should stay home and monitor their health within this 14-day period and a health official will contact you to give you additional instructions.
• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing by using disposable tissue and follow with hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and watch your health.
• If you develop a fever (100.4F/38C), cough or have difficulty breathing call your health department for advice before seeking care. If you can’t reach your health department, call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room.

The WHO has advised all worldwide healthcare personnel and airport security personnel to be extra vigilant and enact enhancement of surveillance at airports for early detection and prevention of spread of the disease.

Please visit the WHO website for further information.