The Corona virus has been all over the media in recent weeks and for good reason. The virus is relatively new and therefore, guidelines change daily as we learn more and more about it. To date (12/02), this is what we know; however, next week, this information will be outdated, and we will probably know more.

The Department of Health, South Africa, continues to monitor the rapidly evolving developments surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak closely. The World Health Organisation provides them with daily situational updates and continues to inform them should there be revisions in guidelines. Campus Health Service follows the guidelines set out by the Department of Health and NICD (National Institute of Communicable Diseases).

We can confirm that, to date, there is no case of Coronavirus in South Africa.

Coronaviruses are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to the Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Evidence continues to show that the vast majority of patients affected by Coronavirus experience mild to moderate symptoms that are mostly upper respiratory in nature- that is cough, sneezing and runny nose. Generalized symptoms are mostly fever and flu like symptoms.

The Virus is predominantly spread by infected droplets in the air. The virus has also been cultured from stool suggesting the possibility of faeco- oral spread. We therefore continue to reinforce our public messages of preventative behaviour: avoid contact with someone that exhibits flu like symptoms; regular hand washing; do not sneeze or cough into your hand- rather use another barrier; hygienic food preparation and not consuming undercooked or raw meat.

Our recommendations for students and staff of Stellenbosch University that are travelling to, and returning from China, is to take necessary precautions and report to health care officials should they develop any symptoms.

As a way to reduce your risk of coronavirus infection:

• Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• Thoroughly cook meat and eggs
• Avoid unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals

If you want to discuss this further, or are worried about any symptoms, please make an appointment at Campus Health Service by calling 021 808 3494/6.