[UPDATED] Shanghai Officials: The 2019 novel coronavirus is now airborne

[ UPDATE 11/02/2020 09:30 ]: This article was based on unconfirmed information from Chinese state media. We’ve since updated the article to reflect the latest, most accurate information. The following has since been contradicted by multiple sources (source, 2).

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Chinese officials have reportedly confirmed that the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) can now be spread via “aerosol transmission”. According to Zeng Qun, deputy head of the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau:

“Aerosol transmission refers to the mixing of the virus with droplets in the air to form aerosols, which causes infection after inhalation, according to medical experts.”

This means that there are 3 confirmed transmission methods, according to the report. This includes direct transmission, which happens when you inhale near someone who is coughing or wheezing; contract transmission, when a person touches a tainted object; and now, aerosol transmission, where the virus mixes with droplets in the air, which can then be spread via inhalation.

As such, the official advises the public to “raise their awareness” and to cancel all social activities and gatherings. Meanwhile, residents are also advised to keep their windows open, and to disinfect door handles, toilet seats, and dinner tables.

However, we aren’t sure if this advice applies outside of mainland China. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not everything is “clear” just yet, with regards to transmission methods:

“Most often, spread from person-to-person happens among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.”

Additionally, the Ministry of Health in Singapore has also refuted the claim, quoting an expert as saying that there is “no evidence” that the disease can be transmitted by aerosol. Meanwhile, Australia’s National Critical Care and Response Centre Medical Director Professor Dianne Stephens has also quashed the airborne theory.

For now, it’s important to keep basic hygiene practices. Sanitise your hands regularly, and if you fall sick with the flu, visit your nearest doctor/hospital. At the moment, there has been 18 confirmed cases in Malaysia, although 3 patients have already recovered.

[ SOURCE , IMAGE SOURCE , 2 ]

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