Coronavirus COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 *, the virus responsible for COVID-2019 for (Coronavirus disease 2019) is a new coronavirus discovered in the city of Wuhan in December 2019 in Hubei province and responsible for a pandemic currently raging in China and throughout the world.

While the majority of cases still originate from mainland China, the number of imported cases is increasing on the five continents.

* SARS: severe acute respiratory syndrome

Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the family of Coronaviridae, genus betacoronavirus.

In humans, six species of Coronavirus are known as seasonal HCoV, SARS –CoV, MERS-CoV and now SARS-CoV-2.

The zoonotic source (of animal origin) of the contamination seems to be specified with probably the bat as primary reservoir and transmission to humans via the pangolin, scaly Asian mammal of the anteater family, according to Shen Yongyi and Xiao Lihua from the Agricultural University of South China in Guangzhou.

International surveillance data and scientific literature now indicate the indisputable presence of human-to-human transmission.

It is likely that this coronavirus is similar to other human coronaviruses, which are generally transmitted through close contact by the inhalation of infectious droplets emitted by sneezing or coughing by the patient or after contact with surfaces freshly contaminated by these secretions.

Coronaviruses survive for a few hours (3 hours on average) on dry inert surfaces. In an aqueous environment, these viruses can survive for several days. The incubation period appears to be 5 days on average (with a range of 2 to 12 days).

The period of contagiousness is not yet well defined, there is still an uncertainty about the possibility of whether an asymptomatic case can lead to contamination.

In a small number of cases (1.2%), the patient has no symptoms. This is called an asymptomatic carrier.

The clinical symptomatology is also variable, with the occurrence of relatively mild symptoms such as :

• Nasopharyngitis,
• Dry cough and respiratory discomfort.
• Sore throat,
• Conjunctivitis,
• Flu-like syndrome with headache, muscle pain, fatigue
• Sometimes diarrhea.

Severe forms can lead to hypoxemic pneumonia, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).

The mortality rate due to infection is estimated at less than 1% under optimal conditions of care in people with no other chronic disease (elderly, diabetes, cancer, immunosuppressive therapy, etc.).

In view of the current context with an epidemic risk, specific measures are recommended:

The concepts of at-risk zone and risk exposure are defined by the Ministry of Health. This definition is likely to evolve with the advancement of the epidemic.

If you are returning from an at-risk zone:

For 14 days: 

• Monitor your temperature twice a day.
• Use a hydro alcoholic solution for hand washing
• Avoid contact with fragile people
• Avoid unnecessary trips (outings, bars, cinemas, restaurants …)
• Work from home if possible
• Avoid school, nurseries, etc. if you are accompanied by children.

If you develop symptoms (especially respiratory + Fever or feeling of fever) within 14 days of your return from the risk zone:

Call emergency services directly. Do not go to the doctor or health center or emergency department.

No specific measures are indicated in asymptomatic subjects who have not returned from an at-risk zone or who do not present a risk of exposure.

The general measures are:

• Avoid going to an at-risk area
• Wash your hands every hour with a hydro alcoholic solution

1. White paper “La santé des collaborateurs expatriés: une innovation RH” (FR Only)
   https://www.concilio.com/telecharger-livre-blanc-concilio-2019-la-sante-des-collaborateurs-expatries-une-innovation-rh/

Fiche Coronavirus COVID-19

• Author : Amine Morjane, MD
• Date : Mar 04, 2020
• Author of revisions : Florian Reinaud, MD
• Revision date : Mar 04, 2020