On January 23nd, 2020 the Director General of WHO re-convened a meeting of the IHR (2005) Expert Committee to discuss the novel coronavirus outbreak. In this meeting, members of the Expert Committee were once more provided information by public health officials from currently affected countries, including Thailand
In reporting the results of their deliberations, the Expert Committee welcomed the efforts made by China to investigate and contain the current outbreak.
Further information on this meeting, including recommendations to WHO, to the Peoples Republic of China and to other countries; as well as a link to the names of 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
Beginning early December 2019, an upsurge of cases of pneumonia was detected in persons from Wuhan city in China. Cases have now also been detected in many other parts of China, and human-to human transmission has been confirmed in the city of Wuhan. Chinese authorities identified a new coronavirus as the agent causing these cases. Four imported cases have also been reported in Thailand: all in people that had traveled from Wuhan. Cases have also been reported from several other countries, all these people had visited Wuhan prior to becoming unwell.
A WHO Situation Report on Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV for 23rd 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,
- Facilitating information sharing on this and other relevant health events between countries
- 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.
- Providing all countries with a technical package of interim guidance, including
- Surveillance and case definitions
- Laboratory guidance
- Clinical management for suspected novel coronavirus
- Home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus
- Infection prevention and control
- Risk communications
- Readiness checklist
- Disease commodity package
- Reducing transmission from animals to humans