The new coronavirus aka Wuhan virus (nCoV) has become an epidemic, taking the lives of dozens in China and thousands of people are showing signs of the fatal respiratory virus.

The flu-like virus that first broke out in Wuhan, China is rapidly spreading across borders to other countries (with confirmed cases in Europe and the US) from travellers jetting off from city to city. Also, with the Chinese New Year celebrations, people travelling in and out of the city in large groups to commemorate the occasion – is making it twice as more difficult to control the epidemic.

With the fast spread of the virus, it is super crucial that passengers heading to any part of the world practice extreme caution when in the airport or in a new/unfamiliar public space. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), have released a list of preventive tips for travellers as well as significant symptoms to watch out for.

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The DHA has confirmed that coronavirus is a human-to-human transmissible disease, which can be spread via any form of physical contact with the infected person

Passengers are being advised to refrain from any contact with animal products or visiting animal markets until the new coronavirus epidemic is taken under control. Travellers are also urged to wash their hands regularly or to sanitize them with alcohol sterilisers.

Learn more about the #CoronaVirus and the mode of transmission pic.twitter.com/JcAyjMvD5I

— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) January 23, 2020

Fever, shortness of breath and pneumonia-like traits are the main symptoms of the fast-spreading coronavirus

Tips for travelers heading to areas where the #CoronaVirus was reported pic.twitter.com/kwM7PPFqas

— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) January 23, 2020

Dr. Dena Grayson an American medical doctor stated that symptoms of the virus are very similar to ‘influenza or a bad cold’ that jeopardizes the respiratory system

I get asked: "How will I know if I have the #coronavirus?"

Answer: it's very hard to tell, because the symptoms are similar to having influenza — anywhere on the spectrum from a very bad cold to severe pneumonia with respiratory compromise.

— Dena Grayson, MD, PhD (@DrDenaGrayson) January 25, 2020

Although there are no vaccinations available for the deadly virus, patients can be treated using IV fluids to increase their immune system that can help in battling the virus out

In an "outbreak," local hospitals can get overwhelmed, and there aren't enough hospital beds, staff, ventilators (breathing machines).

This appears to be the case in #Wuhan, where authorities are working to build a 1000-bed (mobile) hospital in JUST 10 DAYS.🚨

This is ALARMING.

— Dena Grayson, MD, PhD (@DrDenaGrayson) January 25, 2020

…And cue the paranoia memes

https://twitter.com/KirstinDalton/status/1220951407098048512