Corona viruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Update confirms seven new cases of corona virus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland. It brings the total number of diagnoses in Ireland to 16, with three of those in Northern Ireland. Four of the new cases are males who had returned to Ireland from northern Italy, while two cases are women who are believed to have been in close contact with someone who had the virus.
Late on Thursday night, 5th of March 20202, Trinity College in Dublin told its students it had been informed of a case of corona virus within the university. In an email seen to the students of the college, Trinity College provost Prof Dr Patrick Prendergast told staff and students that parts of the university had closed to allow them to be cleaned.
TCD said a section of its Dublin city center campus is closed as a precautionary measure, but the rest of the university is open and operating as normal.
However, it said the situation is fluid and it advised its 18,000 students and 3,000 staff to keep up to date with communications from Trinity and advice from the Health Service Executive.
It said the HSE will trace anyone who has been in contact with the infected individual to ensure they receive any necessary medical attention.
It also said it is working closely with the authorities to ensure the individual involved receives the best possible care.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
I will be delighted to read how everyone is faring during this pandemic crisis in the comment section. Thank you.
