80 people died, 2744 were officially infected: the corona virus is spreading – even outside of China.
A few other cases have already been confirmed in Asia and one in the USA. France reported three infected patients on Friday. Several suspected cases in Berlin and Frankfurt am Main were not confirmed. Still, there are concerns that the unofficial numbers are much higher. China is accused of concealing it. BILD answers the most important questions.
Did the Chinese government cover up cases?
The Chinese authorities are accused of delaying the education of the virus. Reason: The first case was discovered on December 8, 2019. But it was only on January 14, 2020 that the first precautionary measures were taken by officials in the Wuhan hotspot!
How does the virus spread?
The corona virus spreads in the air via droplet infection, for example when coughing. It gets into the lungs through the air we breathe.
In order to prevent spreading and to interrupt the chain of infection, protective measures are currently in place at five German airports (Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Düsseldorf) that are prepared for the care of sick people. In the clinics, which may have to take care of the sick at short notice, emergency plans specify what measures are required to prevent infection in the patient’s environment.
However, active checks as to whether passengers have the Corona virus are currently not being carried out: Torben Beckmann (37), spokesman for the airport operator Fraport in Frankfurt (Main) said when asked by BILD: “Since there are no travel restrictions, there are at the airport no controls on corona. “
At Paris de Charles de Gaulle airport, however, security measures have been strengthened. Passengers from China are observed here by medical professionals.
How aggressive is the virus?
“If the corona virus penetrates deep into the lungs, it can multiply relatively quickly and may lead to a serious illness. As a rule, however, only if those affected already have a lung disease or other chronic previous illnesses, ”says Dr. Susanne Huggett, Head of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention at the Asklepios Clinics in Hamburg.
Current numbers showed that many infected patients are recovering. In addition, doctors in China are reporting their first successes. The symptoms had been brought under control with a new treatment in several sick patients: “Seasonal influenza viruses that lead to flu currently pose a greater risk of a serious infection in our region,” said Huggett.
Could an HIV drug help?
Chinese health authorities have allegedly requested the HIV drug Aluvia (Kaletra) from the pharmaceutical company AbbVie. China is therefore testing whether the HIV drug can be used to treat the symptoms.
Why an HIV drug? Prof. Dr. When asked by BILD, Andreas Plettenberg, head of the IFI – Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine in Hamburg, said: “Corona viruses are so-called RNA viruses. That means they infect cells and multiply in these cells. The Kaletra drug is a long-approved protease inhibitor and is usually only used in HIV patients. ”
And how does it work? “It inhibits the viral protease and thus the maturation of the viruses in the cells. Various antiviral drugs are probably now being tested in cell cultures or with other methods to see which agent is effective. Although it is not very likely, it is not impossible that an HIV drug can also be effective against corona viruses. ”
Do I have to be afraid of traveling to Asia?
Susanne Huggett: “No. The special thing about the Corona virus is that the risk of getting infected is greatest if the affected person has been ill for several days. You will then probably be in a state in which you are at home and can no longer travel. The risk is greatest in the patient’s immediate environment, ”says the expert.
How can I protect myself?
If you use handkerchiefs only once, wash your hands after contact with people. Liquid disinfectant is recommended for on the go. “However, it is important that it is an alcoholic disinfectant that is especially suitable for the hands,” says Hugget. (jwl, goodbye, imu)
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