Detecting the new Wuhan coronavirus in people has become more complicated as some of those who have died from the deadly epidemic did not have any symptoms of fever.
According to Shanghaiist, temperature checks have been set up at airports as well as railway stations where passengers are being stopped to check on their temperature before being allowed to proceed with their journey.
However, this may not be sufficient in determining if passengers going in and out of Wuhan are infected or not.
Source: Shanghaiist
China’s National Health Commission showed that out of the 17 people who died from the coronavirus, five of them displayed other symptoms besides fever, like chest tightness, coughing and breathing difficulty.
This shows that temperature screening, the most common measure used on travellers, may not identify some infected people.
The oldest victim of the Wuhan virus is an 89-year-old man who suffered from drowsiness, incontinence and fever. He went to the doctors on 5th January and died on 18th January. He had pre-existing conditions, including hypertension.
Nine other victims of the virus also had pre-existing symptoms like diabetes, coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease. Eight of them were over 80 years old, two were in their 70s, five in their 60s and one in his 50s.
Source: SCMP
The youngest patient is said to be a 48-year-old woman with a pre-existing condition.
Oh no, even temperature checks cannot determine if a traveller is infected with the virus. We really hope the virus doesn’t spread further than it already has.
Also read: M’sian Woman Decides Not to Go to Wuhan Hometown for CNY Due to Virus, But Her Mum is Coming Here
