Coronavirus: what is the link with food? Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers from the Ministry of Health and WHO
The global health emergency for the epidemic from coronavirus (2019-nCoV) continues to generate doubts and uncertainties. Here are the official answers to date from the major health bodies on the link between coronavirus and food and some rules to follow to protect yourself.
Coronavirus and food
Eating Chinese it's dangerous? The Higher Institute of Health has published a manifesto stating that the virus is not transmitted by via food and that the import of raw meat and live animals from China is prohibited in Europe.
L'World Health Organization recalls on its website some standard good practices to be followed in general to reduce the exposure and transmission of a series of diseases.
“Raw meat, milk or animal organs must be treated carefully to avoid contamination between cooked and raw foods. Use different cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked foods. If you have come into contact with raw food, wash your hands when cooked before working. Even in areas where the virus is expected to spread, meat can be eaten if well cooked and handled according to the previous rules. "
WHO also specifies that "people of all ages can contract the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people or those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart problems) appear to be more vulnerable to the virus. There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. " Antibiotics or tachipirine have no preventive function.
Coronavirus: questions and answers from the Ministry of Health
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
What is a new coronavirus?
A new coronavirus (CoV) is a new coronavirus strain that has never previously been identified in humans.
What are the symptoms of a person infected with a coronavirus?
It depends on the virus, but the most common symptoms include fever, cough, breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Can coronaviruses be transmitted from person to person?
Yes, some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example among family members or in a healthcare setting.
How do you contract the new coronavirus?
Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, but more information is needed to assess the extent of this transmission mode. The source of the infection is unknown and may still be active. Therefore, the probability of infection for travelers visiting Wuhan who have close contact with symptomatic individuals is considered moderate.
Is there a vaccine for a new coronavirus?
No, being a new disease, there is still no vaccine and to achieve one the times can also be relatively long.
What can I do to protect myself?
Recommendations to reduce exposure and the transmission of a series of respiratory diseases include maintaining thehand hygiene (wash your hands often with soap and water or alcoholic solutions) respiratory tract (sneeze or cough in a tissue or with your elbow flexed, throw the used tissues in a closed basket immediately after use and wash your hands), safe food practices (avoid raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruit or vegetables and unwrapped drinks) and avoid close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory diseases such as coughing and sneezing.
More information on the website of the Ministry of Health.
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