New virus pneumonia First confirmation in Japan What should be noted?

New virus pneumonia First confirmation in Japan What should be noted? January 16, 19:30

Pneumonia is thought to be caused by a series of new coronaviruses in Wuhan, Hubei Province, inland China. In Japan, the same virus was detected in people traveling to Wuhan. The points to note are summarized.

Possibility of "dense contact"

Local authorities in China have pointed out that, although limited in cases of marriage cases in some patients, the possibility of human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out.

If your family lives with pneumonia, you will have more opportunities to make contact than you do in the city. This is the so-called “dense contact”.

For many infections, close contact greatly increases the risk of infection. Similarly, cases of human-to-human transmission through close contact have been reported in bird flu, but no major epidemics have occurred since then.

This time, a man in Kanagawa who was found to be infected with the new coronavirus said that he had contact with a patient with pneumonia while staying in Wuhan, and that there is a possibility of close contact That is.

At present, it is said that patients are mainly related to the seafood market in Wuhan, etc., and that the situation is not spreading in the area.

Based on these facts, it is thought that the new coronavirus is not a condition that can be transmitted from person to person one after another.

The symptoms of pneumonia this time are mainly fever, and there are cases that complain of difficulty breathing. One person in China, who was originally in poor health, has died, but the other patients are already recovering and many are in good condition.

Men in Kanagawa Prefecture have already recovered and were discharged on January 15th and are now recuperating at home.

General cold prevention measures such as hand washing and avoiding crowds are effective

What do experts say about this case in Japan? We interviewed Nobuhiko Okabe, director of the Kawasaki Institute of Health and Safety, who is familiar with infectious diseases.

"Obviously, he has traveled to Wuhan, where he was infected, and at this time human-to-human transmission is extremely limited, so there is no need to be overly afraid to be confirmed in the country."

On the other hand, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the properties of the new coronavirus confirmed this time are still unknown.

"Theoretically, the nature of the virus could change, making it more susceptible to human transmission or becoming more pathogenic, so we need to be aware of future trends."

How should we be careful?

"Influenza has a higher risk of infection in Japan. It is not necessary to be particularly nervous, but if you dare to say, thorough hand-washing and avoiding crowds, infection-prevention measures similar to influenza and common-sense measures are sufficient. I think it can be prevented. ''

Coronaviruses are transmitted by flying such as coughs and sneezes as well as influenza and colds. In other words, general cold measures such as hand washing and avoiding crowds are effective.

When going abroad?

What should people in the future be aware of?

The CDC in the United States has issued a warning to travelers visiting Wuhan, China, stating that the risk level is the lowest of three levels and that normal precautionary measures should be taken.

In this,
▼ Avoid contact with animals, whether alive or dead. ▼ Avoid contact with sick people. ▼ You need to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Symptoms after returning home from China → Immediate consultation

Prof. Atsuro Hamada of Tokyo Medical University, who is familiar with overseas infectious diseases, sees a medical institution immediately after returning from China if respiratory symptoms such as coughing or fever of 37 degrees 5 minutes or more are observed within 2 weeks. She wants to tell her doctor that she was staying in China and get medical treatment.

"As far as the current situation is concerned, I don't think it's an infectious disease that I fear more than necessary. The risk of infection is not so high if you always pay close attention to information and news issued by the government and take common sense overseas."

"I do not know" = is not "dangerous"?

It is often not known where the new coronavirus came from, how infectious it is, or how the virus will change in the future.

However, when a new type of coronavirus emerges, WHO, governments, and experts are taking measures based on past cases and experiences, such as SARS and MERS.

From the information so far, we do not need to worry too much, but it is likely that we will need to pay close attention in the future.