Keeping things in perspective

Unlike the AIDs virus that took more than two years to identify, the new virus took only ten days. We know:

• It is a new virus from group 2B
• Genetic analysis has confirmed that it has a recent natural origin and that its mutation rate may not be very high.

A test to detect the virus has been available since January 13.

For several weeks now, the number of cases diagnosed daily is dropping.

From a very detailed epidemiological follow-up in other countries, we know outbreaks are very specific to areas and can be controlled easier.

• There are no symptoms or just mild ones for the majority of people.
• In 14% of the cases, it can cause severe pneumonia.
• In 5%, it can become critical or even fatal.

There are 13 times more cured cases than deaths, and that proportion is rising.

• Symptoms in children are so mild that it can go unnoticed.
• Only 3% of cases occur in people under 20.
• Mortality under 40 is only 0.2%.

The virus can be effectively cleared from surfaces. Use a solution of ethanol (62-71% alcohol), hydrogen peroxide (0,5% hydrogen peroxide) or sodium hypochlorite (0.1% bleach).

However, frequent handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to avoid contagion.

There are more than eight vaccine projects underway against the new virus.

Another vaccine group in Australia is working on a prototype using a novel technique called "molecular clamp."

There are over 80 clinical trials analyzing treatments for the new virus. These are antivirals that have been used for other infections, are approved and safe.