On 22nd January 2020, the Director-General of WHO convened a meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) Expert Committee to discuss the novel coronavirus outbreak. The meeting was held so that members of the Expert Committee could provide the Director-General with advice on how to best respond to the outbreak. Information was also provided to the Expert Committee by public health officials from currently affected countries, including Thailand.
After extensive discussion, it became clear that because of the rapidly evolving situation, the Expert Committee would need to be provided with additional information. A decision was therefore made to reconvene the meeting on 23rd January 2020.
The members and advisers to the “International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee for Pneumonia due to the Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV” can be seen here.
Background
Since early December 2019, a number of cases of pneumonia have been detected in persons from Wuhan city in China. Cases have now also been detected in other parts of China. Chinese authorities identified a new coronavirus as the agent causing these cases. Four imported cases have also been reported in Thailand – in people that had traveled from Wuhan. Cases have also been reported other countries, all of which had visited Wuhan.
A WHO Situation Report on Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV for 22nd January 2020 can be seen here.
Coronaviruses are common - many cause less severe illness such as the common cold; other are known to cause more severe illness (SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, MERS)
At present, WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travelers in relation to this event. WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the information available. If travelers develop respiratory illness before, during or after travel, they should seek medical attention and share travel history with their health care provider.
The World Health Organization is working with Thailand and other countries to track further understand infections caused by this new coronavirus and to ensure that they are prevented and controlled. This includes,
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Facilitating information sharing on this and other relevant health events between countries
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In the longer term, using the International Health Regulations to develop and strengthen the capacities of countries to detect and respond to infections like the new coronavirus.
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Providing all countries with a technical package of interim guidance, including
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Surveillance and case definitions
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Laboratory guidance
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Clinical management for suspected novel coronavirus
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Home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus
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Infection prevention and control
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Risk communications
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Readiness checklist
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Disease commodity package
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Reducing transmission from animals to humans
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