It is unlikely that the novel coronavirus will be spread via imported goods

Goods from China are often the favorite of shopping lovers on line because the price is somewhat cheaper. However, many people are now avoiding purchasing imported goods from China out of concern novel coronavirus spread through the goods they ordered.

Plague novel coronavirus which started in Wuhan City, China, until Tuesday (28/1) has infected more than 4,500 people in dozens of countries. Novel coronavirus it is known that they can survive in the air, but can the 2019-nCoV coded virus last long enough on imported goods?

N ovel coronavirus is unlikely to spread via imported goods

Source: China Daily

Novel coronavirus are part of a large family coronavirus which can infect humans and animals. Coronavirus usually attacks the upper respiratory tract and causes fairly common illnesses such as the common cold or flu in humans.

Sometimes, coronavirus also attacks the lower respiratory tract. Lower respiratory tract infections generally cause more severe diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

The SARS outbreak that started in China spread to 26 countries in 2003. Meanwhile, MERS spread to the Middle East, Asia, and the UK in 2013. Both are caused by coronavirus , but with a different type of virus.

So far, six types have been found coronavirus which can infect humans. Novel coronavirus from China that it is rumored to be able to spread through imported goods is the type coronavirus newest at once the seventh.

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Novel coronavirus spreads very easily. Transmission can occur in two ways, namely direct and indirect. Immediate transmission occurs when a healthy person is exposed to the virus from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person.

Indirect transmission occurs when you come into contact with a contaminated surface, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands. Items that are often contaminated include door handles, handles on public transportation, and cell phones.

Although it can be transmitted from contaminated goods, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that it is possible to spread novel coronavirus through imported products is very small.

The CDC also stated that to date, there is no evidence to support this issue. Based on CDC observations in the United States, there is not a single case of transmission novel coronavirus related to shipping imported goods from China.

Why novel coronavirus does not spread from imported goods?

Source: The Jakarta Post

Viruses are microscopic organisms that need a host to survive. Viral hosts are usually bacteria or cells that make up body tissues. Without a host, the virus cannot reproduce and will die quickly.

Virus survival depends on the type of virus, the environment, and the type of surface on which it is on. Viruses that cause colds, for example, can last for seven days indoors. Meanwhile, the influenza virus generally only lasts 24 hours.

Viruses usually last a long time on hard surfaces such as plastics and metals, but they die more easily on soft surfaces such as cloth. Its resistance may be even stronger in low temperature, humid, and less sunshine environments.

Coronavirus classified as a large virus. However, the size above average actually makes it unable to last long. Novel coronavirus it could be attached to imported goods, but this virus will die before the imported goods arrive at their destination.

This is in line with what Dr. Nancy Messonnier, Head of the CDC Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. According to him, it is very unlikely novel coronavirus to survive during a delivery period that takes days, even weeks.

In addition, imported goods storage cargo generally has an ambient temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius. Long delivery periods and temperatures that are too 'hot' are not ideal environments for coronavirus to survive.

Remember novel coronavirus relatively new, actually there isn't enough research to conclude how strong it is outside the human body. However, previous research on SARS and MERS has revealed that the two viruses can only survive for a few hours on surfaces.

Regarding imports of animals and animal products from China, the CDC also finds no risk of spreading coronavirus of this process. However, every country that has an animal export-import cooperation with China has implemented strict regulations in this regard.

Prevent spreading coronavirus of imported goods

The likelihood of 2019-nCoV spreading through imported goods shipments is very small. However, it is only natural that you will still feel worried, given the speed with which this outbreak has spread from one country to another.

There are safe tips for those of you who want to shop for imported goods from China or are waiting for the delivery of goods from an infected country coronavirus . If you are worried about contamination, you can protect yourself by keeping your hands and items clean.

Before opening items, wash your hands using clean water and soap. Wash your hands the right way following the CDC or WHO guidelines. After opening the item, store the packaging in a tight plastic bag, then throw it away in a safe place.

Plague novel coronavirus in China and a dozen other countries trigger great concern, including for people who like to shop for goods on a regular basis on line from the country.

Even so, you don't need to panic because of issues coronavirus spread through imported goods is not true. Although it can survive on the surface of objects, this virus is not strong enough to survive a long delivery period and in an environment with inadequate growth.